Automatic Meter Reading

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), or remote reading of electricity, water and gas meters via M2M, is already in many countries the standard way to digitally read meters. In Sweden, the authorities have demanded that all utility meters must be able to be read automatically on a monthly basis by 2009, which means new meters being installed in every household.

The reason is obvious. AMR reduces costs, improves services and delivers more value. By using M2M, utility companies can continuously monitor usage, which optimizes their distribution net and gives them the opportunity to invoice a customer for exactly what is used. In addition, it is good for the environment – a Swedish study recently showed that when electricity bills relate to what is actually used then consumption declines.

Many countries across Europe are now poised to implement similar legislation to Sweden. But even without laws and regulations more and more utility companies see the benefits of automated meter reading. AMR will become an obvious method to collect meter readings in the future.

Demands on the mobile communications are naturally high when it comes to safety, availability and operational quality. With large volumes, connected units also place high demand on administration, logistics and support. That is why many players within the segment choose to be online with their products via Maingate.  Maingate understands the specific needs and demands of this market.  What is more, we collaborate with many of the leading suppliers within the sector.

Smart Metering and Smart Grids enabled by M2M

Smart metering via M2M, machine-to-machine communication, is already in many countries the standard way to digitally read meters remote being electricity, water or gas meters. In Sweden for example, the authorities have demanded that all utility meters must be able to be read automatically by the summer of 2009, which means new meters being installed in every household.

Many countries across Europe are now poised to implement similar legislation to Sweden. But even without laws and regulations more and more utility companies see the benefits of Smart Metering. Smart meters are only one, but crucial component in the utilities infrastructure, Smart Grid. Transmission electricity grids have for a long time been smart in terms of ICT implementation and network management. The Smart Grid concept is about to transfer electricity transmission grid technologies to distribution grids and integrating them into a complete electricity network.

Utilities are faced with a number of challenges and opportunities today that in most cases has an effect on and are dependent of a Smart Grid. Europe’s climate change opportunity, known as 20 20 by 2020 is one. A growing concern of the environment, consumers that want to be more active in managing their energy consumption, micro generated energy, electric vehicles and a growing demand for electricity to mention some others.

Communication is a key component in the Smart grid. The palette of available applications is business critical and demands on the mobile communications are therefore naturally high when it comes to safety, availability and operational quality. With large volumes, connected units also place high demand on administration, logistics and support. That is why many players within the segment choose to be online with their products via Maingate.  With 11 years as a supplier to the utilities Maingate understands the specific needs and demands of this market. What is more, we collaborate with many of the leading suppliers within the sector.

One of our professional Area Sales Managers would be pleased to provide you with more information. Please contact: