Energy infrastructure systems provider Ameresco has deployed two advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) contracts with the cities of Baytown and Shenandoah, Texas, representing a combined investment of more than $5 million in modernized water system technology, the company said.

AMI is designed to provide near real-time usage information and proactive alerts, and the goal is to enable the cities to deliver more responsive customer service while helping residents better understand and manage their utility consumption. The Baytown and Shenandoah projects “reflect a significant investment in smart water infrastructure across Texas,” and aim to deliver “measurable benefits for utilities and residents alike,’’ Ameresco said in a statement. They include:

• Modernization of water metering infrastructure using AMI technology resulting in reduced operational costs
• Improved system visibility through hourly consumption data and enhanced operational insight
• Faster leak detection and proactive monitoring, supporting water loss reduction & environmental stewardship
• Increased customer transparency through access to accurate, timely water usage data, building confidence in billing accuracy and strengthening public trust in utility operations

The city of Baytown will be rolling out a phased deployment of water meter infrastructure beginning with its residential meters. The goal of the project is to enhance the city’s ability to quickly respond to citizens’ inquiries, improve meter accuracy from meters past their useful life, and reduce the need for manual meter reading.

Increased data visibility will also help streamline utility operations while supporting long-term water conservation efforts, improved leak detection, and future infrastructure planning, according to Ameresco.

When Shenandoah was grappling with an automatic meter reading (AMR) system that had reached the end of its useful life, city staff collaborated with Ameresco to select an appropriate AMI system. The company developed a turnkey AMI system to address aging metering infrastructure and improve customer service.

The project includes the replacement or retrofit of more than 1,700 water meters with solid-state meters and AMI endpoints, with the goal of improving accuracy and operational efficiency, according to Ameresco. The idea is that reliable, high-resolution consumption data, will enhance billing accuracy and residents will receive transparent access to their water usage via a customer portal.

Both projects also integrate the AMI system with their city’s utility billing platform and include system software, data integration, and long-term operational support to ensure sustained performance, the company said.

“These projects reflect the growing focus across Texas communities on investing in water infrastructure that delivers real, operational value today,” said Louis Maltezos, co-president of Ameresco. “By deploying AMI technology in Baytown and Shenandoah, we’re helping cities improve efficiency, strengthen customer trust, and better manage one of their most critical resources.”

Baytown City Manager Jason Reynolds said that this type of investment strengthens Baytown’s foundation. “By modernizing our water infrastructure with AMI technology, we are gaining real-time, data-driven visibility to operate more efficiently, detect issues faster, and plan smarter for the future,” Reynolds said.

Further, Reynolds added that this is the first time Baytonians will have direct access to their own water usage data, “bringing greater transparency and a stronger connection to how their city serves them.”

Sam Masiel, Shenandoah’s city administrator, also expressed enthusiasm over the enhanced infrastructure. “Investing in AMI technology allows Shenandoah to modernize critical infrastructure while improving service for our residents,” said. “With near real-time data and enhanced system visibility, we can reduce water loss, respond faster to issues, and deliver a better overall customer experience.”