Technologies

Advanced Metering Infrastructure

What is it?

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) refers to a measurement and data collection system that includes a ‘smart’ meter at the customer site, the communication network transmitting and receiving data to and from the electric service provider, and the management system used by the electric service provider to operate the grid and/or send signals to the customer meter. Fundamentally AMI provides a mechanism for two-way electricity flow and communication on the distribution system.

Where is it located?

The foundational component of AMI is the meter. Smart meters are installed at the customer site or where there is an end use requiring electricity from the grid.

How mature is the technology?

Widely deployed | The Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) Program invested more than $5 billion in the deployment of AMI and customer systems in 2009. This funding supported widespread deployment of AMI. Today more than half of all states have achieved a rollout greater than 50% and about 60 investor-owned utilities have fully deployed smart meters.

More Information

Explore these resources to learn more about AMI.

Draft Whitepaper: Investment in Advanced Meter Infrastructure.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Customer Systems.

Modern Distribution Grid (DSPx). Volume II.