US utility develops high-tech meter system

Michigan-based utility, Consumers Energy is developing a high-tech meter system as part of its five-year plan to invest US$6 billion in energy reliability and customer service.

The new ‘smart’ electric meters will provide Consumers Energy’s 1.8 million customers with detailed information about their power usage, allowing them to make decisions about energy efficiency, conserving electricity during periods of high demand and lowering their energy costs. The system, known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), will also notify the utility immediately if there is an interruption of a customer’s electric service.

A pilot project is scheduled for 2008 where a limited number of smart electric meters will be installed and tested, after which full deployment will occur over the next five years.

The AMI project is a key part of the utility’s Balanced Energy Initiative, which calls for meeting the growing customer demand for electricity with energy efficiency, demand management, expanding the use of renewable energy from 5% to 10%, developing new power plants and utilising existing generating sources.

“AMI will give customers the information they need to evaluate ways that they can lower their bills by conserving energy and using energy more efficiently,” said John Russell, Consumers Energy’s president and CEO.