Automated Meter Reading Technologies
Utilities need information and, in particular, usage data to face a myriad of challenges in the current landscape of customer expectations, workforce productivity, aging infrastructures, energy supply costs, deregulation uncertainties, acquisitions and mergers, globalization and competition. When they are armed with information, they can be proactive to better serve customers and provide better overall service.
Automated meter reading (AMR) is often cited as one application for municipal wireless networks, since it represents a potential opportunity for cities to improve the operational efficiency and customer service of city-owned utilities by automating the manual process of sending a meter reader to every house in town every month or two.
In order to bill customers for their use of water, gas or electricity, utilities historically have sent an employee to read meters located on each customer’s property every month or two, but AMR is changing that. With an AMR system, the utility is able to remotely read each meter, either from the vicinity of the meter (walk-by or drive-by systems), or from a central location (powerline or radio systems). The good news is that AMR allows meters to be read more efficiently, and many AMR systems can provide meter readings much more often than monthly. So utilities need fewer employees to accomplish the work, and the enhanced meter information can facilitate better customer service and support improved system operations. The bad news is that AMR systems cost money to implement, and it takes a number of years to pay back that investment. If a city has a municipal Wi-Fi network, some reduction in the initial cost of an AMR system may be possible, and in the future, a prevalence of community-wide Wi-Fi networks could help to significantly reduce installation and operation costs of AMR systems.
AMR systems generally consist of three components: (1) meters to measure how much each customer uses, along with a Meter Interface Unit (MIU) to connect it to the AMR system, (2) telecommunications to transfer the data from the meter to the utility, and (3) computers and software at the utility to analyze the data and use it to bill customers. The most expensive component of an AMR system is the first one, including both the cost of the meter and/or MIU, along with the cost of labor to install the equipment at each customer property. Meter manufacturers and AMR system vendors offer proprietary systems that are generally not interoperable;
Automated meter reading systems are an attractive technology for cutting costs while increasing speed and control of metering activities. When organizations, such as utilities, military installations, large industrial parks and school districts consider automated meter reading technology, they discover most available systems carry high initial capital costs. Organizations that purchase systems without first evaluating the full costs and benefits often find they are locked into a technology that accomplishes less than they need.
Many utilities have equipped their workforce with street-level routing software. While this solution helps to some degree, it brings with it additional software implementation and maintenance costs. Another problem with AMR is energy consumption. The more work being requested of these electronic devices, the more energy they consume. Unlike analog devices, some electronic meters work from batteries, requiring additional maintenance and repair activities. The fully automated meter reading solution addresses most of these problems since the entire process of gathering the information is achieved without human intervention. AMR systems are used to automate the acquisition of remote meter data, but also to reduce workforce expenses and increase the quality of the data captured.
This report on Automated Meter Reading Technologies from Energy Business Reports explores this emerging industry in depth, focusing on the manufacturers and suppliers of AMR technology and equipment, and current trends in the AMR industry. The report also explores the market statistics pertaining to water utilities, available technology, current business requirements, and much more.
The report also takes a look at the newly gained interest of venture capitalists in automated meter reading technology markets and how it is affecting the industry overall.
About the Publisher: This report is published by Energy Business Reports (www.EnergyBusinessReports.com)
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