FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristy Weinshel        
202.833.6815
kristy.weinshel@utc.org [1]

Advanced Metering Infrastructure to Form Backbone of Smart Grid

Washington, D.C. - Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI is poised to play an integral role in the future as utilities work on deploying the Smart Grid concept.  As the next-generation of automated meter reading, AMI can accommodate not only meter reading but other applications that will ultimately enable both utilities and their customers to use energy more efficiently.  AMI makes a large amount data more available, giving utility managers more information when it comes to operating, maintenance and planning decisions for the grid.

To date, AMI and AMR deployment are occurring due to the significant return on investment delivered by the remote metering capabilities associated with both technologies.  However, the other applications that AMI will enable will provide the greatest long-term benefits using technologies including narrowband wireless, Broadband over Power Line, WiMax and more. 

The Utilities Telecom Council examines the potential and the current state of AMI in our newest report, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): "Smart" Metering Meets the Smart Grid.  The report not only gives an update of the overall industry, it also illustrates all the benefits that AMI can bring to utilities, building the business case for AMI adoption.  Additionally, the report outlines the projected future of AMI and its role in Smart Grids.  With the just-enacted Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and regulators looking at different ways to promote and fund Smart Grid deployments as part of their energy responsibilities, expect to see more utilities adopting AMI technologies as the first step toward smarter grids.

The report, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): "Smart" Metering Meets the Smart Grid, has been released and is available to order on the Research portal of the UTC Web site at www.utc.org [2].  For more information, please contact research@utc.org [3] or call 202.833.6805.

Utilities Telecom Council
The Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to creating a favorable business, regulatory, and technological environment for entities that own, manage, or provide critical telecommunications systems in support of their core services. Founded in 1948, UTC has evolved into a dynamic organization that represents the broad communications interests of electric, gas, and water utilities; natural gas pipelines; other critical infrastructure entities; and other industry stakeholders.  Visit www.utc.org for more information.

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