ABSTRACT
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is considered synonymous with smart meter systems. A smart meter communications network connects the headend to the smart meters and other AMI system equipment. The electromechanical induction meter operates by counting the revolutions of an aluminum disk. AMI is considered to be one of the technological underpinnings of a smart grid, and deploying smart meters is often the first step towards implementing a smart grid. The US smart meter and AMI initiatives are a result of state initiatives, utility proactive steps, the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), and Smart Grid Investment Grants. The ANSI C12 standard includes a secure logging function that can add an additional layer of security for the AMI system. The deployment of smart meters and AMI is often predicated on any number of direct benefits to the utility, such as operational flexibility, revenue assurance, enhanced power quality, or minimizing personnel cost.
