Smart meter end-of-life: Planning for next-gen AMI opportunities

As the first generation of AMI meters reach end-of-life, utilities need to start planning their AMI 2.0 strategy.

Next-gen AMI has the capability to provide significantly more granular data with advanced analytics and computing capabilities. Utilities companies have an opportunity use this advanced metering technology to improve customer experience, tighten operational efficiency, and boost return on investment.

End-of-life planning

For the end-of-life, a utility’s situation and its ability to take on large capital projects versus a moderate-sized one will drive the decision for a rip-and-replace AMI approach versus a gradual replacement.

For many smaller or mid-sized utilities, gradual meter upgrades over time can be more appealing. As first-generation meters begin to fail, or their seals expire, they would naturally be replaced with technology of equal or greater value. While this approach requires a moderate and incremental capital investment upfront, there is a proportionate delay in realizing the full benefits of the new technology across the entire population. Likewise, a decision on the type of network in the field (i.e., point-to-point versus mesh) can add complexity to the overall decision process.

Operating first-generation AMI equipment to failure increases the likelihood of operating in crisis mode rather than being strategic and incorporating an orderly technology transition to preserve the billing process. A technical assessment and gap analysis helps form a business and implementation plan focused on manageable scope, cost, and resources.

Next-generation AMI

AMI 2.0 is an exciting opportunity for utilities, but much depends on where they are in the technology lifecycle. Utilities can define a path forward by assessing the current environment and identifying barriers that could prevent them from looking at a next-generation AMI investment.

Transitioning this technology is not simply just installing new meters; it represents a foundational layer of sensors and data that can be used to drive overall transformation. Taking the time to identify value-added use cases that support immediate and long-term company objectives is key.

Capgemini’s Next-gen AMI solution incorporates smart metering, smart analytics and smart grid capabilities to drive organizational efficiency, enable new services, and address a wide range of complex regulatory, environmental and security challenges. Advantages include:

Reliability. Improve availability, power quality, outage restoration times and other key performance indicators through advanced technology and process optimization.

Smrt grid enablement. Establish a communication network that serves as the backbone for smart grid technology and programs, including demand response, energy transition, distributed energy resources and electric vehicle charging.

AMI refresh. Replace end-of-life infrastructure and modernize applications and architecture; address gaps in the initial deployment such as hard to reach meters.

Distributed intelligence. Leverage edge computing to enable aggregation of data based on territory or function to improve speed and accuracy of management and response efforts.

Customer involvement. Enable two-way communication with customers and create afoundation from which to launch new or enhanced services.

Capgemini offers clients AMI expertise, an extensive use-case library, and a holistic modernization approach to craft a roadmap that finds new opportunities and enhances ROI. Get in touch to learn more about how Capgemini can help you realize your AMI ambitions.

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