Pinnacle has revealed the results of research conducted on behalf of Huawei Technologies into the global Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) market.
Pinnacle’s Huawei Business Unit: Executive, Fred Saayman, says the report, compiled by Navigant Consulting on behalf of Huawei Technologies, is a detailed expose of the global AMI market which includes forecasts for the African region.
Saayman says AMI is defined as an integrated system of meters, communications networks, both wired and wireless, and data management technologies that support two-way communication. “An AMI system also enables two-way communications with customer-side systems such as home area networks (HANs), connected thermostats, in-home displays, and energy management systems,” says Saayman.
He adds the term AMI can be used synonymously with smart meters, or smart metering. “The drive for smart meter deployments is strong worldwide. The benefits of smart meters are starting to be realised, and their applications are evolving. This report shows that the AMI market is not only maturing but is growing.
“Utility managers recognise that interval meter data can tie into not only meter data management systems (MDMSs), but also other operational processes, including outage management systems, geographic information systems, and volt/volt-ampere reactive (Volt/VAR) control. The need for greater data analytics is a common theme, as well as how to make use of data in new ways that helps to make utility operations more efficient or enable greater customer engagement,” says Saayman.
Smart meter data also allows for utilities to provide customers with more comprehensive billing information, such as kilowatt hours of use and more detailed month-by-month cost comparisons. “Now that is something that holds real value for the SA market.”
Saayman highlights that the report shows the pace of future smart meter deployments will vary by region and utility. “Smart meters enable customers to become more efficient energy users, an important goal for consumers looking to reduce costs and regulators seeking equitable rates. So it is hardly surprising that smart meter shipment revenues for Middle East and Africa are projected to increase from $16.7 million in 2013 to $147.6 million by 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 24.3%,” concludes Saayman.
To view the full report go to: http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/4bfb37_63ba6daa994f4970919927a2ceaa0311.pdf
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