Assessment of transmission substations for AMI upgrade (KSA case study)

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) includes hardware and software, which combine interval data measurement with continuously available remote communication. Consequently, AMI enables measurement of detailed, time-based information and frequent collection and transmittal of such information to various parties (utilities, users, regulators others). It is a robust architecture for automated, two-way communication between a smart utility meter with an IP address and a centralized data center (AMS-MDM) of the utility company. Because it provides real-time data about power consumption to utility companies and customers, it enables them to make informed choices about the use of energy. AMI along with new rate designs provide consumers with the ability to use electricity more efficiently. Additionally, it enables utilities to detect problems on their network and fix them more efficiently and increase the service quality to their customers. Ultimately, this will lead to improving reliability and saving money for consumers. This paper presents a real case study of how to integrate AMI for improved flexibility, security, and reliability of existing power system.