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Energy conservation, AMI likely to bolster prepay, new report reveals
ATLANTA – December 16, 2008 – Energy conservation paired with smart metering is likely to encourage utilities to implement electricity prepayment billing, according to Chartwell’s new report, the Chartwell Prepaid Metering Report 2008, 5th Edition.
A recently-completed Chartwell advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) study shows that 38% of electric utilities are looking closely at prepay as part of their AMI strategies while another 11% are likely to move forward. The integration of AMI and prepay is possible due to two-way networks capable of retrieving interval data.
Chartwell attributes growing interest in prepay to several factors.
A souring economy likely will increase the number of customers who run into arrears, subsequently leading to more utility write-offs. As shown in the report, many utilities report significant decreases in write-offs due to prepay.
Another contributor to the uptick in prepay interest is energy conservation. Prepay has proven itself an effective tool in helping customers reduce electricity usage, an important find in an industry currently being driven by energy efficiency.
Topics covered in the Chartwell Prepaid Metering Report 2008, 5th Edition includes:
- Original Chartwell data on prepay;
- Information on different prepay technologies;
- Viable statistics on energy reduction and credit and collection benefits; and
- Three utility case studies on Salt River Project, Brunswick EMC and Oklahoma Electric Cooperative.
The Chartwell Prepaid Metering Report 2008, 5th Edition, is available to Chartwell Premier and Metering Research Series members as part of their membership. Non-members may purchase the report for $795. For information regarding the Metering Research Series or Chartwell’s Premier membership, contact Kristy Dickens at (404) 237-9099 Ext. 25 or (800) 432-5879; or visit www.chartwellinc.com or Chartwell’s EnergyLibrary at www.energylibrary.com.
About Chartwell Inc.
Chartwell Inc. is a specialized information provider that facilitates knowledge exchange among utility professionals responsible for management practices and technology solutions. Chartwell publishes best practices case studies, quantitative research and electronic newsletters, and hosts conferences and other networking events.
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