Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Customer Systems
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers. Customer systems include in-home displays, home area networks, energy management systems, and other customer-side-of-the-meter equipment that enable smart grid functions in homes, offices, and factories. Time-based rate programs include different types of electricity pricing options for customers that are made possible by AMI and sometimes include customer systems.
AMI and customer system projects funded through the Recovery Act Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) program reported data for the following:
- Smart Meters Deployed >>
- AMI Expenditures >>
- Customer Devices Deployed >>
- Customer System Asset Expenditures >>
- Enrollment in Time-Based Rate Programs >>
Smart Meters Deployed
The chart below shows the number of smart meters funded through the Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) program that are installed and operational. The cumulative estimated number of smart meters, shown as the green line below, is the total number of meters expected to be installed by the completion of the SGIG program and is based on the project plans of the SGIG recipients installing smart meters. Coverage is the percentage of smart meter installations resulting from SGIG funding and is calculated based on the total number of meters in the United States as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in the 2009 Electric Power Annual Report, Table 7.1.
The number of meters installed is based on quarterly build metrics reports submitted by SGIG recipients to the Data Hub. To be included in these reports, meters must be installed and operational, meaning that each meter has been physically placed and configured in a manner that will enable it to perform its primary function of recording customer electricity usage and transmitting that information through a communication system to the utility.
SGIG recipients are also required to submit monthly reports to DOE through SIPRIS that include the number of smart meters they have installed. As of July 31, 2012, the number reported in SIPRIS is 12,626,646. This count may be greater than the number reported in this chart because the numbers reported to SIPRIS may include meters that have been installed, but are not yet operational or able to transmit the information that they are collecting to the utility (i.e., able to perform their primary function).
AMI Investments
SGIG Program AMI Expenditures
Program Data for September 30th, 2012
Updated September 26, 2012
AMI Assets |
Quantity * |
Incurred |
Number of |
AMI smart meters *** |
11,092,567 |
$1,781,401,341 |
73 |
Communications networks and hardware that enable two way communications |
|
$520,910,743 |
71 |
IT hardware, systems, and applications that enable AMI features and functionalities |
|
$420,259,793 |
69 |
Other AMI related costs |
$198,567,316 |
85 |
|
Total AMI cost |
$2,921,139,193 |
85 |
* In some circumstances, costs are incurred before devices are installed resulting in a reported cost where the quantity is zero.
* All dollar figures are the total cost, which is the sum of the federal investment and cost share of the recipient (the recipient cost share must be at least 50% of the total overall project cost).
** Projects only report data on devices they plan to install. Each project installs equipment that best supports their individual goals. Therefore, the number of projects reporting is expected to vary by equipment category. The individual project reporting pages show what equipment that project is installing.
*** SGIG recipients are also required to submit monthly reports to DOE through SIPRIS that include the number of smart meters they have installed. DOE reports both numbers. The count provided here includes meters that are installed AND functioning (i.e., they are transmitting information to the utility in support of their primary function). The SIPRIS numbers report the number of meters installed.
Customer Devices Deployed
This chart shows the number of customer devices that have been installed and made operational through the SGIG program. Customer devices are often used with smart meters to provide information that enables customers and utilities to manage energy usage. Customer devices included in the SGIG program:
- In home displays
- Energy management
- Direct load control devices
- Programmable controllable thermostats
- Smart appliciances
Customer System Asset Expenditures
SGIG Program Customer System Asset Expenditures
Program Data for September 30th, 2012
Updated September 26, 2012
Customer System Assets |
Quantity * |
Incurred |
Number of |
In home displays |
7,789 |
$8,359,985 |
40 |
Direct load control devices |
161,344 |
$99,409,112 |
43 |
Programmable communicating thermostats |
160,657 |
$65,983,541 |
31 |
Smart appliances |
220 |
$515,128 |
7 |
Communication networks and home area networks |
|
$0 |
0 |
IT hardware, systems, and applications that enable CS features and functionalities |
|
$148,370,611 |
45 |
Other customer system related costs |
$60,558,870 |
78 |
|
Total customer system cost |
$383,197,247 |
78 |
* In some circumstances, costs are incurred before devices are installed resulting in a reported cost where the quantity is zero.
* All dollar figures are the total cost, which is the sum of the federal investment and cost share of the recipient (the recipient cost share must be at least 50% of the total overall project cost).
** Projects only report data on devices they plan to install. Each project installs equipment that best supports their individual goals. Therefore, the number of projects reporting is expected to vary by equipment category. The individual project reporting pages show what equipment that project is installing.
Customers Enrolled in Time-based Rate Programs
The chart below shows the number of customers enrolled in time-based rate programs through the SGIG program.
