This is actually good news, since it is easier to change the IT systems over time, then it is to go out and touch the meters.

If you look at the GE/GridNet announcements during the IEEE PES T&D show in Chicago, you will find that the meter is very capable. Several other meters come to mind, that are equally capable, using different communications methods.

Most people don’t think about the operational aspects of metering when they determine what they will use for a Wide Area Network, leading them to contract for or build networks that are very useful for billing, but not for operations. If you look at the direction that companies like Energy Australia, American Electric Power, and BC Hydro are taking, you can see this changing. Hydro One wrote a great contract with their telecommunications provider, that lets them use a public network in a fashion that provides the bandwidth and latency they need. All are great examples of getting the network right.

Then it is the applications that exist in the enterprise. We are probably 3 to 7 years away from having the applications that will be needed from commercial vendors to drive all the value of the meters, but those vendors are now driving far more value than they were two years ago, and will be driving even more in another two years.

Your choice is to sit and watch, or get on board and help change the industry. I for one prefer to get on the bus and drive. How about you?

Doug Houseman
Capgemini, Global Energy Utilities and Chemicals

Our company along with many switgear OEMs look at the current platforms being offerd and just see one big wasted oportunity, simply because the current platform does nothing to monitor distribution grid assets, and second the key driver is it does not generate any revenues, and we are changing this.

Why should you bother? if you have the oportunity to increase proffits and reduce opperational cost while increasing the quality of life for communities you should take it.

AMI can pay for itself

James Eades Telepathx Australia