Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Smart Grid initiatives bring greater levels of communication and interoperability to the nation’s electrical grid. These technologies enable electric utilities to monitor their networks more closely, respond to outages more quickly, and provide consumers with real-time data on their power usage.
From evaluating the ever-changing technologies and designing networks to making the business case for an investment, CTC offers municipal and cooperative utilities an integrated approach to addressing their AMI and Smart Grid needs. Our core strength in this area is our commitment to local governments and public utilities—we work exclusively for public and non-profit clients.
We know and understand the AMI equipment available on the market today, and we have first-hand experience in evaluating rate cases for proposed AMI initiatives. Complementing our knowledge of AMI technologies is our extensive experience in planning, designing, and engineering advanced communications networks. We have a deep understanding of how investments in AMI technologies can be leveraged and coordinated with the deployment of fiber optic networks.
Central Iowa Power Cooperative (IA)
CTC prepared an AMI technology primer report for CIPCO. Our team provided engineering diagrams and descriptions of the primary AMI and Smart Grid architecture models and examined the functional benefits and limitations of each technological approach. The report also discussed common issues impacting AMI projects, such as network security and scalability for future expansion.
Holland Board of Public Works (MI)
Our project for the Holland BPW involved conducting a detailed cost-benefit analysis, dataflow and interface analysis, detailing available AMI technologies, development of and RFP, analysis of the RFP, life cycle cost analysis for each response, leading the selection of vendors, and negotiation of vendor contracts. This project included the Meter Data Management (MDM) system. The Holland BPW serves approximately 28,000 electric meters and 24,000 water meters in Holland MI and the surrounding region.
Maryland Public Service Commission (MD)
CTC assisted the State of Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC) in evaluating evolving communications technologies that would be implemented by the private sector under the State’s oversight. We assessed the claims of potential hardware vendors and determined the feasibility and value of various technologies for the State. Our team provided PSC staff with confidential and non-confidential public testimony and a range of clear, organized exhibits that addressed the relative merits and limitations of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) proposals filed with the PSC by multiple regulated electric utilities.
Our analysis included forward-looking evaluation of the changing nature of energy use, including distributed generation and the increased use of plug-in hybrid vehicles. We also examined issues of consumer acceptance and adoption—knowing that those are key factors in realizing the projected benefits of many AMI implementations. In addition, our vendor and technology evaluations included an assessment of the physical characteristics of the media used in each solution, as well as the impact of proprietary equipment on network architecture and lifecycle costs. Guiding all of our work was an effort to understand the impact that a given technology or solution would have on ratepayers, electric rates, and the power distribution and generation businesses.
Morristown Utility Systems (TN)
CTC helped Morristown Utility Systems (MUS) prepare a proposal for the implementation of a Smart Grid pilot program for its electrical system. Our staff assisted in the engineering design of the Smart Grid architecture, and helped create the proposed project timeline and detailed lists of tasks and deliverables. Our team also analyzed project costs and benefits through detailed cash flow projections, determining not only potential savings for customers, but also the project’s expected impact on MUS.
Murfreesboro Electrical Department (TN)
CTC advised the Murfreesboro Electrical Department (MED) on its current AMI network and assessed options for future expansion. Based on an evaluation of existing infrastructure, our staff provided a series of strategic and technical recommendations for MED to consider as it proceeded in the implementation of a new Meter Data Management (MDM) system and other Smart Grid technologies.
Norwich Public Utilities (CT)
CTC has assisted Norwich Public Utility (NPU) in implementing AMI technology. In consultation with NPU staff, we drafted a request for proposal document that outlined relevant AMI standards, development standards and also detailed NPU’s AMI functional requirements. After releasing the request for proposal, our team reviewed the vendor applications, including a functional and cost comparison of alternatives. Finally our team presented NPU staff with our recommendations for next steps.
Owensboro Municipal Utilities (KY)
CTC provided strategic planning support to OMU as it evaluated the options, costs, and benefits of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment. We defined and captured OMU’s overall vision of the proposed AMI project, prepared budgetary estimates for deployment and operation of an AMI network, and completed an initial analysis of the potential benefits of an AMI network.
Sturgis, MI
We are in the fourth phase of our AMI implementation project with the City of Sturgis, which has approximately 7,500 electric meters and 5,000 water meters. Previously, we guided the City through an RFI, and conducted benefits analysis on the responses. We then worked with the City to release an RFP, and facilitated the final vendor selection and contract execution process.