Advanced meter management solution from IBM

Think outside the meter

Regulatory and market pressures require that utilities improve network reliability, resolve service issues faster and lower costs associated with service requests. But outdated meter systems only have one-way conversations, so essential information about usage and outages is not easily available. IBM can help you implement an advanced meter management solution that connects meters directly to your infrastructure.

Turn power lines into lines of communication

The advanced meter management solution from IBM helps utility companies replace existing meters with "smart" meters in the field. Smart meters no longer just measure consumption. They contain onboard computing capacity and become sensors on the grid, capable of assisting in the detection of fluctuations and outages. The three phases of the solution include:

• Pre-project planning and product selection—we first assist with a regulatory strategy, develop business cases, create a preliminary work plan and schedule, and begin technology selection. Our engineering services specialize in equipment selection and design.
• Pre-deployment preparation—we refine the business case and regulatory process, begin meter testing and pilots, finalize technology selections and begin business process design.
• Full deployment—we assist in finalizing regulatory approval, establish a benefits realization framework and begin meter installation. We test and roll out a fully integrated systems solution that can enable more corporate benefit than a mere meter-reading solution.

Use smart meters for smart decisions

The smart meters and network connections provided by our meter management solution can provide many benefits to utilities. The solution is designed to supply accurate data in near real time, which can help:

• Improve workforce productivity by automating collection and transport of meter information.
• Assist with identification of outages and generate load profiles.
• Enhance theft detection and speed termination of unauthorized use.
• Enable faster responses to customer service requests, improving customer satisfaction.
• Bring demand information from the edge of the distribution network into the IBM Intelligent Utility Network's analytics with a metering network configuration that can provide fast—15 minutes in most cases—meter readings during times of high demand on the electric power network.

The solution can also enable new customer services, such as time-based billing, to encourage conservation in line with the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, smooth peak demand and help customers lower their utility bills.