Clark Public Utilities District (CPUD) recently announced that it will be installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) over the next couple of years.  AMI is an integrated, fixed-network system that enables two-way communication between our utility and its customers. The system collects, stores, analyzes, and presents energy usage data, providing CPUD with the ability to monitor electricity usage in real time.

Given the increase of smart technology and our growing need for efficient, cost-effective, environmentally-sustainable energy, it is no surprise that AMI has become a key technology in utility data collection. AMI can help CPUD collect a range of data, including indicators of tampering, data at set time-intervals, details regarding power outages, and the quality of electricity supplied.

Unlike traditional Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), which is currently used on the water-side at CPUD, AMI’s two-way communication model enables more comprehensive data collection and helps to remotely manage meter functionality. AMI is an innovative and transformative technology that is redefining the data collection and billing procedures of the utilities industry.  As of 2021, “electric companies had installed more than 110 million AMI systems which represents nearly 70% of all electric meter installations” (US Energy Information Admin 11.08.22).  

AMI technology is used to:

• Implement demand response programs, which encourage consumers to reduce their energy usage during peak demand periods, helping to balance load and prevent outages. 

• Automatically detect and report an electric service outage with the specific location directly to CPUD, which reduces the duration of outage and improves service reliability. 

• Remotely connect or disconnect electric service, which eliminates the need for a physical visit by CPUD and facilitates faster service.

• Help customers effectively manage their energy consumption and help CPUD to provide customers personalized energy-saving tips and recommendations based on AMI data analytics.

• Provide real-time data on energy production from distributed energy resources, like solar power, allowing better integration to the existing power grid.