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AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)

 
WHAT IS AMI?
AMI, which is advanced metering infrastructure.  It is a system that measures, collects and allows the analysis of energy usage from advanced devices.
HOW AMI WORKS
An AMI system allows the SMLD to get meter reads from the meter on your home (or place of business) back to a computer at the SMLD over a 900 MHz radio frequency.  The read on your meter is taken electronically at a certain time each month and is sent to a unit called a collector.  The collector then sends the information onto an SMLD computer for processing.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AMI?
bulletIncreased efficiency, speed, reliability and quality for the SMLD’s power system.
bulletEfficient load profiling
bulletImmediate final and initial reads
bulletEfficient power failure detection
bulletCustomer’s can view real-time usage (future)
bulletMore customer choices
 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The SMLD and Mueller Systems worked together to complete an informational brochure which is a case study on the SMLD's AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) process.  Click the link above to download this brochure.
 

A SIMPLE DIAGRAM OF AN AMI SYSTEM

 
Smart Electric Meter          

C:\Documents and Settings\Dan\Desktop\CCOM.jpg

Central Communication Module (CCOM)  

Host Server

 

The above shows a simple diagram of a wireless two-way communication system with a fixed network, utilizing a mesh network configuration.  There are three system components:  the smart electric meter, the central communication module (CCOM) and the host server.

The smart meter is located at the customer’s premises; it transmits over a 900 MHZ, radio frequency to the CCOM (which stores, sends and receives interval data to the host server).  The data in each CCOM is stored in non-volatile memory and is encrypted for security until it is sent to the host server where it is processed, stored and archived to magnetic media.  From the server, the information can then be automatically sent to the SMLD’s billing server to process for billing and / or further analysis.
 

 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2010

The recent snowstorm on Wednesday February 24, 2010 dropped approximately 8” of slushy snow on the Worcester regional area.  Large amounts of rain followed on Thursday February 25, 2010, and snow fell again on Friday February 27, 2010.

This is not the kind of weather that the Sterling Municipal Light Department (SMLD) finds appealing.  As we all know from December 2008, these conditions can be perilous.  The SMLD is fortunate to have completed permanent repair work from that December 2008 Ice Storm, along with ongoing tree-trimming work, and having a strong power system.  Mix the proactive work in with Wednesday’s storm and we only had three (3) minor outages in Sterling.  These customers were back on line within a short period of time.

What we learned from this particular storm (and from the more than a dozen phone calls that we received) however was that our community often sees downed wires and thinks that they are all SMLD power wires.  Calls on Wednesday were actually relative to cable television (Comcast) and/or phone wires (Verizon). 

In an effort to help us focus on our primary work, the electric utility power lines, please be very descriptive when you call into the SMLD Customer Service team to report downed wires.  The more detail that you give us will help us to determine the correct course of action.  For instance, did you hear a noise prior to your power outage?  Do you still have power?  It is important to note if you still have power, but no cable or telephone service.

The SMLD would like to help its customers to identify cable television, phone and power wires.  Please see the picture below showing a detailed image of these lines with each labeled for your information.   Please recognize that the SMLD is not responsible for Comcast or Verizon lines, or their exact location to your residence.  This general diagram is being provided to assist the SMLD in responding to power outages quickly and effectively when you report them to us.  As always, please call the SMLD Customer Service team at 978-422-8267 with any questions.  Thank you.

* Given the proper information, we can dispatch our crews to SMLD outages efficiently and effectively.  So, when calling in to report an outage or a downed line let us know:
bulletDo you have power in your home?
bulletIf not, can you tell which line is down?
bulletIf so, is there a problem with a circuit in your own home?  Please check your home’s circuit breaker panel.
bulletWas a generator ever in use?
bulletDo you have blinking lights?
bulletDo your neighbors have lights, or is a town street light on?
bulletIs your cable out?
bulletIs your telephone out?

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Last modified: March 05, 2010