AMR is gaining ground as an effective improvement over other comparatively error prone data collection methods. While initially the costs for an AMR infrastructure can be higher than the traditional means of capturing the data, in the long run, there should be substantial savings through:

- Reduced meter re-reads;
- Greater data accuracy;
- More frequent readings;
- Improved billing and customer service;
- More timely energy profiles and consumption trends updates; and
- Better deployment of human resources.

AMR systems� capabilities for real-time data, made possible by recent advances in communications technology, means that a utility can better understand consumption trends and thus better plan network upgrades. With the possibility of more frequent (daily if not hourly) automated meter reads, a more accurate and timely picture of energy demand is obtained, providing more options to the utility regarding the purchase and selling of electricity. Settlements between energy producers along the lines of just-in-time scheduling or tighter inventory controls are facilitated. In short, better usage data collection empowers utilities to apply that data for new economic and operational benefits and more opportunities to identify savings and improve customer service.

Reprinted with Permission from CGI