Wireless Sensor Network based Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Roll Out Strategy

Deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a crucial early step towards grid modernization. AMI is not a single technology, but instead an aggregation of a variety of innovations to provide an intelligent communication between consumers and device operators. AMI provides customers with the knowledge they need to make wise decisions, the flexibility to make certain decisions, and a range of options that lead to major advantages that they do not actually receive. In addition, device operators are able to dramatically enhance customer services by optimizing utility and asset management processes based on AMI results. Integrating various systems like smart meters, Home Networks, Integrated Networking, Data Processing Applications and structured user interfaces) for current utilities Operations and asset management processes, AMI provides a crucial relation between the grid, users and their loads, generation and storage Resources. Such a connection is a simple prerequisite of the Modern Grid. This paper discusses in depth all dimensions of the roll-out of Advanced Metering Infrastructure in the state of Tamil Nadu. It addresses main areas such as cost-benefit analysis, replacement analysis, retrofitting of current meters, connectivity infrastructure solutions and contracting models for AMI roll-out.