Electricity Delivery and Management:

Advanced Metering Infrastructure

By the end of the decade, "smart meter" technologies are forecast to cover more than 65% of all installed U.S. electrical meters.

AMI systems (perhaps better known as “smart meters”) have the highest consumer profile of any smart grid technology. In addition to operational benefits, AMI allows utilities and consumers to track electricity consumption and pricing in real-time. This is necessary, for example, for pricing programs that reward peak load reductions, which in turn improve grid operational efficiency and reduce costs. 2011 global vendor revenue for AMI systems (not including utility installation spending) was nearly $6.8 billion, with major projects in China and the United States, and growing European deployments in response to European Union mandates.

In the United States, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding accelerated AMI deployment between 2010 and 2012, with 2011 revenue of $1.9 billion representing a peak in shipments. Revenue estimates for 2012 are just over $2.0 billion, which includes emerging managed services (including pre-payment services) business models. However, as ARRA funded programs end, AMI revenue is forecast to see declines of up to 40% below the 2011 peak through 2013 and 2014 before beginning a gradual recovery. By the end of the decade, AMI technologies are forecast to cover more than 65% of all installed U.S. electrical meters.

Economic Impact

advanced energy in action

+ view all

Advanced Energy Companies

+ view all