The deployment of advanced metering infrastructure

KAHRAMAA initiated AMI pilot project in 2012 for 17,000 customers including both, residential and commercial categories in three different zones in Doha, Qatar. AMI Pilot project aims to evaluate technology suitability and feasibility to overcome the regional challenges for roll out. As I am sure everyone is aware of the complexity involved in AMI deployment, it is very important to identify all the technology and process gaps to have a successful roll out. As Smart Metering technologies are still emerging; it is very important to explore various technologies available in the Market. We would like to share the challenges we have faced during the implementation phase to help other utilities to consider these painful points before moving ahead with their AMI implementation. We would also like to recommend some best practices to ensure smooth and successful implementation. AMI System helps Utility to measure customers consumption and power quality parameters remotely and it supports On-Demand Reads, Connect/Disconnect commands that saves operational cost for Utility. Smart Meters enable utility to provide customers with detailed information about their energy usage, which in turn enables customers to manage their energy use more proactively. Smart Meters are the first step toward creating a Smart Grid. As with the Smart Grid; digital technologies are applied to every aspect of the industry, from generation, to transmission, to distribution, to the customer interface. This will help the grid sense what is happening to the energy flow, keep it in balance and improve reliability. Through the power quality parameters, utility can plan and operate their network more efficiently.