The Piedmont City Council, on Tuesday, made progress toward acquiring an advance metering infrastructure for the city’s electrical department, creating a “smart grid.”
At the request of the city’s electric supervisor Casey Ponder, the council agreed to transfer $200,000 to a smart grid account in addition to the $220,000 already committed by the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA). Officials estimate the total cost of the AMI system to be about $500,000.
According to Ponder, a smart grid will allow utility workers to remotely read and more accurately track the electricity usage of residents in the city, resulting in lower electric bills for customers. Additionally, the ability to remotely cut off electricity will be safer for utility workers.
In other business, bills for payment were approved in the amount of $367,865.24.
A liquor license was approved for Mi Rancho Mexican Restaurant.
Also, a beer and wine license was approved for Family Dollar Store.
A request by Brandon Moore, owner of Elevated Grounds coffee shop, was granted to close a portion of South Center Avenue to hold a Christian youth rally block party on July 27th from Noon to 5pm.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for August 6th, immediately following the work session, which is set for 5:30pm.