NES vs. Traditional AMR
True to their name, traditional automatic meter reading systems concentrate solely on reading meter consumption data—with no economical provisions for further capabilities now or in the future.
In contrast, the NES system is a state-of-the-art, future-proof smart metering system that goes beyond meter reading: It benefits every aspect of a utility’s operation, from metering and customer services to distribution operations and value-added business. What's more, it provides an economical upgrade path for future value-added services.
Look at some of the differences between NES and traditional AMR systems:
The NES System |
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Traditional AMR Systems |
- Open, bidirectional, high-bandwidth communication
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- Proprietary, often one-way, very slow communication
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- Meter and communication functionality on one board
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- Communication modules bolted (retro-fitted) onto or inside meters
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- Extensive range of services
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- Provides only meter reading
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- Built-in disconnect switch
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- Built-in disconnect switch unavailable or an expensive add-on
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- Metering infrastructure delivers demand response
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- Parallel infrastructure needed for demand response
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- No value-added services possible
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- Economical upgrade path for value-added services
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- Must visit each meter to upgrade software
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- Multiple suppliers of NES meters
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- Meter can remotely be converted to a prepay meter
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- Prepay requires a service call and a meter replacement
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- Tariffs and load profiles can be remotely changed
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- Post-installation changes require a service call
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