Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) is the remote collection of consumption data from customers' utility meters using telephony, radio frequency, power-line and satellite communications technologies. AMR provides water, gas and electric utility-service companies the opportunity to increase operational efficiency, improve customer service, reduce data-collection costs and quickly gather critical information that provides insight to company decision-makers.

"AMR improves operational management by providing just-in-time meter replacement, tamper detection, remote access, and automatic scheduling of meter reading. In short, AMR will optimize cost savings and maximize efficiency, while providing improved customer service"

Deregulation

Deregulation in the electric power generation and distribution industry is drastically changing the face of the industry. By the turn of the Century most North American States and Provinces will have deregulation legislation in place or proposed. The introduction of retail choice, termed "Retail Wheeling", for electric power end-users will cause a competitive market similar to the telecommunications deregulation over ten years ago. The Electric Power Industry is turning to automation as a tool for establishing a competitive advantage.

ROM's "web to wireless" technology will allow the electric utilities near-time access (seconds) to usage information at various points in the distribution grid where meters currently exist. Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) is the process by which remote meters are polled or download historical information.

Many Electric Power Distributors are exploring the possibility of using the communications system needed to support AMR to provide additional customer-oriented services such as outage notification, customized billing, time-of-use rates, real-time pricing, and even security monitoring.

Market Segments

• Large industrial user

• Commercial complexes

• Residential

Electricity is a commodity, it is impossible to distinguish one kilowatt from another. AMR offers the Electric Power Industry the opportunity to provide increased customer service and lower rates and will be a key tool for Customer Retention.

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