Scheduling Meter Readers for Southern California Gas Company
Published Online:1 Jun 1992https://doi.org/10.1287/inte.22.3.22
Abstract
In 1988, Southern California Gas Company (SOCAL) initiated a study to investigate the potential benefits of using optimization software to route and schedule its meter readers. We developed and implemented a set of optimization algorithms and tested them on a carefully selected sample region. Based on this study, SOCAL projected tangible annual benefits of about $874,185 plus additional cost avoidance. The cost savings motivated SOCAL to implement a computerized meter-reading system, which was delivered in early 1991.
