Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is driving innovation in the modern grid in a number of ways. An AMI is a two-way system for communicating and collecting detailed information for utilities such as electricity. AMIs allow for real-time, automated readings that let customers and professional utility providers get a better picture of usage and peak times.
AMIs create a connected network of smart meters, communication devices, and computers that has the potential to revolutionize how individuals and companies experience their electricity usage and delivery. With nearly 100 million smart meters dotted across the U.S, AMI looks to play a significant role in how we interact with the modern electric grid.
The Move to Ami for the Modern Grid
Transitioning to AMI will take the country one step closer to implementing a smart grid, which could transform how we distribute and use electricity at home and in a commercial environment. Moving over to a smart grid will offer keen insights into electricity usage, offering granular data that acts in near-real-time to give incredibly accurate readouts. These readings can then be used to create customized services that can help customers control their energy usage more effectively and be more knowledgeable about their consumption. On a larger scale, AMI can make functions across the grid operate much more efficiently thanks to real-time load monitoring capabilities.
The Benefits of Ami
Being able to use tailored, granular data in real-time is what makes AMI such an innovation. It is a tool that can help the distributed energy resources (DER) market by giving them a platform to assess customer energy usage patterns. This, in turn, can provide customers with valuable insights such as high bill alerts and real-time energy usage tracking.
Moreover, customers can measure any changes to their overall consumption of energy which can lower bills and make them more accountable. It is important for energy providers too as they can more accurately predict when peak times may occur.
The Future of Ami
Although AMI has clearly impacted how customers and providers work on the modern grid, to take full advantage of these innovations, other changes will need to be made. New technologies and services, as well as dynamic pricing such as time-varying rates, will have to be implemented to make the most out of AMI. As a result, most AMI meters are not experiencing the full benefits that they can bring as of yet. This includes connecting AMI meters to meter data management systems that use interval data to make accurate bills.
AMI plays a large part in how the modern grid functions, but there is a long way to go before it has been fully implemented on a nationwide scale. AMI holds a lot of potential in terms of how the general public and private companies handle electricity.
From electricity generation to the effective delivery and usage of electricity, AMI looks to make every process much more efficient. Getting there will take some time, though, as the modern grid will still need to adapt to the changes that AMI brings.
For more information about AMI or smart meters, speak with Peak. Peak is a professional, knowledgeable structural and electrical materials packager for utilities, utility contractors, and industrial consumers across the United States.