advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an architecture for automated, two-way communication between a smart utility meter with an IP address and a utility company.  The goal of an AMI is to provides utility companies with real-time data about power consumption and allow customers to make informed choices about energy usage based on the price at the time of use.

AMI is seen as an important part of any smart grid initiative. 

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SearchSAP.com interviewed Bob Frazier, director of technology with CenterPoint Energy of Houston, to get an industry insider's perspective on smart meters.

Utility companies rolling out AMIs will need robust networking, storage and systems.