Advanced metering infrastructure
The basic building block of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a modern, so-called "smart" meter, an electronic device, an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and consumers. Such meter provides a reliable measurement of electricity production and consumption in short intervals, and remote transmission of data to a system operator. In addition, it enables capturing and remote reading and transmission of data from other energy meters and water, creation of innovative tariffs, a remote connection and disconnect, changing the connection load etc.
Remote reading and data transmission enable more accurate information to consumers about their consumption and associated costs. Accurate bills (prompt payment) mean the end of estimated bills, and the end of overpaying or underpaying for your energy. By using special in-home displays or web portals, consumers can more accurately monitor their consumption and associated costs and, thus, identify energy savings opportunities.
New meters allow, in addition to the above mentioned, further development of the new services in the energy market. Among new market entities – the providers of energy services, we should mention the control of household appliances based on current tariffs and electricity prices from meter interface unit.
Every day, more and more consumers in Slovenia are equipped with smart meters, which enable the integration to the advance metering system, if, at the same time other necessary communication and information infrastructure is available.
The share of smart (electricity) meters by individual electricity distribution areas and for (the entire) Slovenia is shown in the picture attached below.
