3Q 2024

Next-Generation AMI Redefines Energy and Situational Awareness for Utilities

Utilities have been deploying advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for over two decades. The first generation of AMI helped resolve archaic inefficiencies while supporting a variety of grid- and consumer-oriented analytics use cases. However, in the same way that smartphones rapidly overtook early cell phones, next-generation AMI represents a logical, revolutionary, and future-proofed edge computing solution. By enabling real-time intelligence and waveform data capture and partner-driven software development ecosystems, next-generation AMI promises to let utilities detect and manage distributed energy resources (DER), introduce rate structures for EVs and DER, and implement complex rate analytics. Further, the connectivity built into AMI has implications for smart home applications, potentially enabling end users to better monitor the energy usage of their home appliances and other smart devices.

As first-generation AMI deployments reach the end of their lifespans, utilities are increasingly opting for next-generation AMI to future-proof their networks and unlock insights into energy use for themselves and their customers. This Guidehouse Insights report discusses the benefits of next-generation AMI in the context of energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and the smart home, and provides recommendations for utilities as well as hardware and software vendors.

Pages 12
Tables | Charts | Figures 2
  • What are the benefits of next-generation AMI over earlier smart metering deployments?
  • How does next-generation AMI fit into utilities’ DER strategy?
  • What are the benefits for consumers of next-generation AMI deployments?
  • What are the cybersecurity implications of next-generation AMI?
  • What are the preferred connectivity protocols for next-generation AMI?
  • DER hardware vendors
  • Disaggregation software vendors
  • Utilities
  • Smart home standards alliances
  • Public utility commissions

Spark

Context

Recommendations

Next-Generation AMI Represents a Transition from Digitally Archaic Devices to True Enablement of Edge Computing

DER, Energy Efficiency, and Customer Satisfaction Are Key AMI 2.0 Drivers

 DER and EV Management

 Energy Efficiency, Reliability, and Affordability

Customer Satisfaction

 Smart Meters Have Become Edge Computing Platforms

 Utility Analytics Strategies Should Move from Descriptive and Predictive to Prescriptive

 North America Dominates Deployments, but Other Regions Will Catch Up

Next-Generation AMI Is Powered by Real-Time Insights That Aim to Unlock the Full Potential of Smart Home Optimization and Energy Efficiency

IEEE 2030.5 Will Join the Smart Home Communications Ecosystem

The Role of Broadband Networks in Connecting AMI

AMI Is More Accessible to Consumers Than In-Home Power-Monitoring Devices

AMI and In-Home Power-Monitoring Devices Can Coexist in the Smart Home

Next-Generation AMI Will Enable Advances in Rate Structures

Next-Generation AMI’s Waveform Data and Real-Time Intelligence Enable or Enhance a Plethora of Use Cases

Utilities Should Future-Proof Their Networks by Upgrading Existing Meters to Next-Generation AMI

Smart Home Platforms Should Enable Interoperability with AMI Devices to Let End Users Monitor Energy Usage in Their Homes

Hardware and Software Vendors Must Ensure Privacy and Data Security for AMI Deployments


  • Evolution of AMI Technologies
  • Next-Generation AMI Installed Base by Region, World Markets: 2024-2030
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