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Remote connect/disconnect technology emerging as key feature of AMI
ATLANTA – October 23, 2008 – Eighty-one percent of electric utilities investigating or installing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) are making remote connect/disconnect a part of their initiatives, according to Chartwell’s latest report, Making the Case for Remote Connect/Disconnect.
In fact, many utilities say they will deploy advanced meters integrated with under-glass service switches, making the technology a key element in their business strategies. On that same thread, Chartwell finds most of the inquiries and proposal requests meter manufacturers and AMI companies receive include remote connect/disconnect technology.
While remote connect/disconnect technology traditionally has been seen as a credit and collections tool to recover unpaid debt and alter customer behavior, its use touches several business processes beyond collections. Fleet fuel conservation, employee safety, vehicle maintenance, fewer labor hours, prepay, load limiting, outage management and demand side management programs are among many of benefits factored into AMI business cases, according to the report.
“Many utilities are finding that the addition of remote connect/disconnect can significantly bolster a business case,” says Mark Hall, Chartwell’s metering research analyst. “What’s more, many experts believe we are still scratching the surface in regard to potential benefits of this technology.”
Additional topics covered in Making the Case for Remote Connect/Disconnect include:
- Cost comparisons between remote orders and physical orders;
- Technology cost information;
- Tangible data on labor and fuel savings at one North American utility;
- Three utility case studies on Salt River Project, Owen Electric Cooperative and Cobb Electric Membership Corp.;
- And more.
Making the Case for Remote Connect/Disconnect is available to Chartwell Premier and Metering Research Series members as part of their membership; non-members may purchase the report for $495. For information regarding the Customer Care 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.
Press Contact
Mark Hall
(404) 237-9099 ext. 27
mhall@chartwellinc.com
