4252 Ridge Lea Road
Buffalo, NY 14226
(716) 834-2144
www.buffalogauge.com
NEUPMATIC VALVE™
REMOTE GAS SHUT-OFF
Introduction/Overview
Many utilities are faced with escalating accounts receivable, influencing financial performance
and shareholder value. This priority has become more evident, and utilities are now looking to
optimize the effectiveness of their collection functions.
Buffalo Gauge, Inc. offers a solution to service termination where access to inside meters is
denied. This approach will improve collection performance and reduce write-offs.
In order for new technology to enhance and strengthen business performance, we need to
accelerate the leveraging of technology that supports solid business performance, strengthens
operations, and customer service.
Shut-offs vs. Charge-offs?
Positive changes in customer behavior:
• Customers pay a higher percentage of their bill
• Customers pay more per year
• Customers keep monthly payment arrangements
• Requires one attempt to be shut-off (CGI)
Background
• 1995 - Development of the Neupmatic Valve™ was a result of an edict by NFG Chairman
to combat the escalating cost of charge-offs for non-paying customers with inaccessible
indoor meters.
• 1996-1997 - the Neupmatic Valve™ went through rigorous in-house testing at NFG and
was found to be safe and reliable.
• 1997 – present: The Neupmatic Valve™ has been tested/approved by various utility
testing labs.
• 1997 CSA (AGA) certified, quarterly auditing with 100% compliance.
• 1997 NICOR Technologies conducted independent tested and approved.
• 2000 US DOT recognized the Neupmatic Vale™ in a letter dated 8/1/00 indicating that the
Neupmatic Valve™ could be used to meet § 192.365(b).
• 2001 NYS PSC visited and inspected our manufacturing facility and found it to be of
exceptional quality and recognized the Neupmatic Valve™ in a letter dated 2/28/01, as
meeting the safety requirements of 16 NYCRR, Part 255.
• 2003 AGA invited Charles Schmidt, CEO of Buffalo Gauge Inc/Gas Zone, key note
speaker “AGA Best Practices/Benchmarking Curtailment of Non-Payment”
• 2003 –2005 GTI - completion of two projects resulting in customer approvals and
Neupmatic Valve™ program implementation.
Documented Benefits – Neupmatic Valve™
Return on Investment
ROI in less than 2 years (immediate cash flow)
50% reduction in uncollectable revenue at troubled, non-access accounts
20%+ increase in monthly payments
Stopping the bleeding
Savings in the carrying costs of unpaid accounts receivable (DSO)
Valve installed becomes part of rate base – earnings and depreciation benefit
Benefits to Operations
Employee Safety
Immediate termination, eliminating multiple field calls (losses due to CGI’s)
Termination notices vs. termination completions
Benefits to Billing Credit & Collection Department
Change customer behavior
Empower customer service representatives
Reduced days to termination
Reduced phone calls, notices, legal action
Benefits to Rate Payers
• Allows retail rates to be more completive
Conclusion
The intent of the Neupmatic Valve™ is to increase business value and give the industry an
option to choose the right technology to achieve significant operational improvements.
Buffalo Gauge Inc. is prepared to work with your company to design and implement a program
tailored to your needs. We are confident that the Buffalo Gauge team will provide you with an
excellent return on your investment and sending the message “delinquencies will not be
forgiven”.
For further information and actual case studies on protecting your revenue at risk
call 1-800-327-1155 or www.gaszone.com.