For over 25 years, QMC Metering Solutions has played a pivotal role in modernizing Metrotown’s utility metering infrastructure. This partnership began with the construction of the mall’s second addition and has since expanded into a comprehensive retrofit initiative, integrating advanced metering solutions across the mall and its three connected office towers. With over 400 metering points and an eye toward future growth, this project has established a resilient and scalable metering network that enables seamless management of electricity, water and gas usage within our MeterConnex platform.
From Manual Reads to Digital Efficiency
Before QMC’s involvement, Metrotown relied on manual meter reads—a time-intensive and error-prone process, especially given the scale of the facility. Recognizing the need for modernization, QMC introduced a fully digital system, eliminating manual reads and integrating pulse output water meters with wireless capabilities. This not only reduced human error but also improved the reliability of data collection.
During the retrofit, QMC’s team identified and addressed legacy infrastructure challenges, including upgrading and recertifying aging meters and updating outdated PLC systems. In addition, our technicians worked proactively to mitigate potential network dropouts as the system aged, ensuring long-term reliability.
Seamless Commissioning and Implementation
One of the highlights of this project was the smooth transition to the new system. The QMC team worked closely with Metrotown’s facility managers and contractors to ensure accurate installation and commissioning of the meters. A well-documented pre-installation strategy allowed the MeterConnex (MCX) team to pre-load meter information, streamlining the commissioning process. Even in challenging areas like the parkade vault, where cellular communication was expected to be an issue, the installed meters reported data effectively without the need for additional signal boosters.
Despite minor contractor errors in recording serial numbers, the overall installation and setup exceeded expectations, with nearly all Vision meters coming online without issue. Any non-reporting meters were attributed to units being powered off, rather than system failures, showcasing the reliability of the new infrastructure.
Optimized Utility Management for a Large-Scale Commercial Hub
The transition to QMC’s remote monitoring solution has significantly streamlined Metrotown’s operations. By shifting to digital monitoring via the MeterConnex platform, the mall has minimized labor costs, reduced data discrepancies and improved billing accuracy for tenants, including major retailers such as Walmart.
With the introduction of advanced metering, Metrotown has enhanced its ability to monitor electrical consumption for tenants as a whole, while gas and water metering focus on the food court and main sections of the mall. This comprehensive approach improves utility tracking and provides a flexible framework for integrating additional metering points as the mall continues to evolve. After the successful move of the gas and water metering for the food court onto MeterConnex, the property is looking to further expand the system by updating other key areas of the mall.
A Foundation for the Future
The Metrotown retrofit showcases how advanced metering technology can revolutionize utility management in complex commercial facilities. By transitioning to a digital, wireless ecosystem, QMC has enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved tenant satisfaction, all while aligning with sustainability goals.
The Metrotown retrofit showcases how advanced metering technology can revolutionize utility management in complex commercial facilities. By transitioning to a digital, wireless ecosystem, QMC has enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved tenant satisfaction, all while aligning with sustainability goals. Malls across North America can achieve similar benefits by modernizing their metering infrastructure, gaining real-time visibility into energy consumption, improving billing accuracy, and streamlining operations. High-traffic commercial hubs such as West Edmonton Mall (Edmonton, AB), Toronto Eaton Centre (Toronto, ON), Mall of America (Bloomington, MN), and The Galleria (Houston, TX) already have or could significantly enhance their utility management through integrated metering solutions. With platforms like MeterConnex, property managers can proactively manage utilities, optimize costs, and enhance sustainability efforts—ensuring their facilities remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven market.
With scalable infrastructure and cutting-edge tools like MeterConnex, Metrotown is now equipped to adapt to future technological advancements and expand its operations seamlessly. This landmark project underscores the importance of partnering with industry leaders like QMC to achieve transformative results that set a new standard for operational excellence and innovation in utility management.
Contact us today to learn more about how QMC can help transform your utility management system.
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