Are Smart Meters 2.0 worth the investment? Here’s what you need to know
With utilities seeking better grid management, AMI 2.0 meters are the next big step in data-driven energy efficiency.
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The U.S. has deployed nearly 146 million smart meters, with AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) accounting for over 80 % of the country’s energy data. First-gen AMI meters, or AMI 1.0, significantly transformed grid management, providing utilities with valuable insights into consumption patterns and boosting operational efficiency. They offered real-time data collection, allowing consumers to better manage their energy use.
Now, AMI 2.0 meters are on the horizon, offering even more granular, real-time data. With many AMI 1.0 meters nearing the end of their lifecycle, AMI 2.0 promises faster data delivery and real-time capabilities to tackle grid stress and customer expectations. The next-gen meters open the door to predictive maintenance, demand response, virtual power plants, outage detection, and dynamic pricing.
However, convincing regulators to invest in these advanced meters is a challenge, especially when AMI 1.0 already provided so much value. Yet, AMI 2.0’s ability to enable smarter decisions and reduce operational costs makes it a necessary investment. Over the next five years, these meters could save millions by improving customer support, reducing peak demand, and avoiding costly grid upgrades.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, AMI 2.0 meters are essential for utilities to keep up with demands for smarter, more efficient grids.
Source: Forbes
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