AMI Market Exploding with Double-Digit Growth
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is not a single technology, but rather an integration of many technologies that provides an intelligent connection between consumers and system operators. AMI consists of smart meters, a metering communication infrastructure, and a meter data management system.
AMI gives consumers the information they need to make intelligent decisions, the ability to execute those decisions, and a variety of choices leading to substantial benefits they do not currently enjoy. In addition, system operators are able to
greatly improve consumer service by refining utility operating and asset management processes based on AMI data.
AMI can stand on its own, without a Smart Grid, but the converse is not true: there can be no Smart Grid without AMI.
Smart meters are the driving force behind AMI. There are approximately 2.6 billion meters worldwide, and a relatively small number (about 9 percent) are automated, with a smaller amount defined as smart meters.
Strategic Issues
Utilities are cautiously optimistic toward AMI and smart meters, but they realize these are the prerequisite for a Smart Grid. Nevertheless, suppliers believe it is not a question of IF, but WHEN they will catch on, and that time has come. In order to help their cause, suppliers must strategically address:
- Getting involved in Asia
- Marketing successful implementations
- Setting consumer expectations
- Involving demand response and customer information systems
- Making AMI more secure
