Special Section On Metering: Thinking Smart

Deck: 
Legislation and technology developments give a jump-start to smart metering
Fortnightly Magazine - April 2006
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What a difference a year makes. In 2004, automated metering infrastructure (AMI) was in something of a slump, but the Energy Policy Act of 2005, an uptick in natural disasters, and encouraging results from pilot projects have strengthened the business case for investing in AMI.

What a difference a year makes.

In 2004, the automated metering industry was in something of a slump. After the 2003 Northeast blackout, and facing rising gas prices and diminished investor confidence during a time of war, many utilities put automated meter reading (AMR) on the back burner.

Things changed in 2005.

First, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), and more specifically, Section 1252. The “smart metering” title compels utilities and public utility commissions (PUCs) to evaluate time-of-use metering. If savings can be found, regulators likely will demand them on behalf of ratepayers.

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