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City of Camden, SC Partners with GRP|WEGMAN on $13 Million Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project

May 27, 2025

CAMDEN, S.C. – May 27, 2025 – GRP|WEGMAN, a leading provider of facility, infrastructure, and energy solutions, announced a strategic partnership with the City of Camden, South Carolina to implement a comprehensive Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system.

The $13 million project will save the city $29 million by upgrading 7,400 water meters and 12,000 electric meters across the city, enhancing service reliability, operational efficiency, and customer engagement.

The Intelligent Infrastructure initiative will modernize Camden's utility metering systems, enabling real-time monitoring and improved service delivery for residents and businesses throughout the historic city. This technology upgrade will be implemented without introducing new taxes or utility rate increases.

City Manager Matt DeWitt, who has overseen similar implementations in other communities, emphasized both the proven nature of the technology and its safety. "I’m excited that this partnership with GRP|WEGMAN will put the power of controlling utility usage back into the hands of our customers here in Camden," DeWitt noted.

The AMI system will provide Camden residents with numerous benefits, including improved billing accuracy, enhanced leak detection capabilities, and access to real-time usage data. The technology will allow customers to monitor their consumption patterns, identify potential issues before they become costly problems, and make informed decisions about their utility usage.

"This partnership represents a significant step forward in Camden's commitment to building more resilient infrastructure," said Jack Thornsberry, Director of Public Utilities. "By implementing this advanced technology, we're not only improving our operations but also providing our residents with tools to better manage their utility usage and conserve valuable resources."

"GRP|WEGMAN is proud to partner with the City of Camden on this transformative project," said Phillip Lowery, Vice President of Sales at GRP|WEGMAN. " Camden's forward-thinking approach to utility management will serve as a model for other historic communities looking to embrace modern infrastructure while preserving their unique character and charm."

About GRP|WEGMAN

GRP|WEGMAN is a leading provider of turn-key facility, infrastructure, and energy solutions for educational, municipal, commercial, and industrial sectors. With a rich history of innovation and service reaching back to 1938, GRP|WEGMAN empowers local communities across the U.S. via its core services including facility and energy performance; sustainable solar and geothermal energy solutions; complete water and wastewater solutions; design-build services; facility services including HVACR and plumbing; custom electrical design, installation, and design; industrial maintenance, construction and fabrication; and other methods of solving customer challenges. GRP|WEGMAN continues its unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term customer partnerships. For more information, visit grpwegman.com.

About Camden, South Carolina

Established in 1732, Camden holds the distinction of being South Carolina's oldest inland city with a rich heritage spanning nearly three centuries. Located in Kershaw County in the Midlands region, this historic community of approximately 8,200 residents combines small-town charm with significant historical importance as a Revolutionary War site. The city is renowned for its equestrian culture, hosting the prestigious Carolina Cup steeplechase annually at Springdale Race Course. With over 60 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Camden seamlessly blends its preservation of the past with forward-thinking infrastructure improvements to enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The community features a walkable downtown with boutique shops, diverse dining options, and more than 150 acres of parks and green spaces, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both historic character and modern amenities.

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact: Erica Weber, Director of Communication, eweber@grpwegman.com.

For example, an outdated library can be transformed into a collaborative learning commons with flexible seating, technology-rich workstations, and interactive displays.
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A vacant classroom can become a makerspace where students can explore hands-on learning and develop critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.

But the vision doesn't have to stop at the classroom door. Schools that have sat vacant for three to five years represent some of the most compelling adaptive reuse opportunities in any community. A shuttered school can be reimagined as:

Affordable senior housing or elder wellness space – bringing dignity and community connection to an aging population that helped build the neighborhoods these buildings once served. Engage stakeholders early in the process to gather input and build support for the project. Students, faculty, and staff can provide valuable insights into the types of spaces and amenities that will best support their needs.
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A veteran support center, offering stable, supportive environments for those transitioning back to civilian life. Prioritize flexibility and multi-functionality in the design process. Creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and serve multiple purposes will maximize the value of the investment. This may include incorporating movable walls, modular furniture, and technology-rich infrastructure.
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An early childhood, daycare, or parent support center to expand local services for pre-school aged children.
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A community center or "third place" – a gathering space for neighbors who need programming, connection, and services outside of home and work.

And as cities track demographic shifts and prepare for the next wave of population growth, these buildings stand ready to be restored to their original purpose, welcoming students again when the community needs them most. A vacant school is never just an empty building. It's stored potential, waiting for the right plan and to serve the community and bring it back to life.

When planning an adaptive reuse project, educational institutions should consider these key strategies:

Engage stakeholders early in the process to gather input and build support for the project. Students, faculty, and staff can provide valuable insights into the types of spaces and amenities that will best support their needs.
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Prioritize flexibility and multi-functionality in the design process. Creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and serve multiple purposes will maximize the value of the investment. This may include incorporating movable walls, modular furniture, and technology-rich infrastructure.
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Consider the long-term impact of the project, not just for the educational institution, but for the community as a whole. By repurposing these spaces, schools and universities can ensure that they have the necessary facilities to meet the evolving needs of their students and the wider community.
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By embracing adaptive reuse and implementing these strategies, educational institutions can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, engaging learning environments that inspire students and support academic excellence. As schools and universities consider the future of their facilities, adaptive reuse should be a key strategy in their planning process.

GRP|WEGMAN's infrastructure specialists are here to help you redevelop your spaces for your community's current and future needs.