Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Power System Engineering, Inc. (PSE) has developed a solid advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) business case and procurement process resulting from our extensive experience with utilities across the country. This process results in the utility purchasing the right AMI system at a very competitive price. PSE also offers implementation project management and utility automation software integration services.

AMI Procurement

The following steps may be chosen in total or in part, based on your needs:

• Identify AMI requirements. We conduct a thorough needs analysis and gather information across utility departments to ensure all stakeholders are involved in the AMI decision.
• Complete a detailed AMI feasibility business case resulting in a 15-year net present value (NPV) analysis. We collect detailed financial and business operations facts that become assumptions in the model. Current meter operations costs are compared to future meter operations costs using AMI. Results are provided in presentation format. PSE may make a presentation to your stakeholders, board, or commission upon request.
• Conduct a business process review to demonstrate how current operations will change and become more efficient with an AMI system. This step includes flow charting current business operations compared to operations with an AMI system.
• Evaluate and select the most appropriate AMI technology (power line carrier or fixed wireless) for the utility.
• Evaluate wide area communications technologies and recommend the appropriate communications backhaul media for AMI.
• Develop a request for proposal (RFP) based on our experience helping other utilities select an AMI system. The RFP includes a Terms and Conditions; key system features and functionality; utility-specific concerns such as system integration, installation, and training; and a pricing sheet that enables clear “apples to apples” comparison of vendor costs. Depending on the utility’s needs, we may also include home automation questions that facilitate the procurement of in-home displays and smart thermostat devices.
• Solicit competitive proposals from select AMI vendors.
• Evaluate responses and facilitate vendor presentations at the utility.
• Oversee contract agreements and negotiate final pricing.

AMI Implementation Project Management

As an option, PSE also offers project management services to help the utility during the initial phases of the AMI system deployment and ensure that the installation gets off to a smooth start. This may include:

• Obtaining third-party bids for meters and meter installation.
• Supervising the system implementation during the critical first months of deployment.
• Monitoring system acceptance testing.
• Other services based on need.