ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Most states are not following the lead set by regulators in California and Ontario to push utilities to install smart meters in large quantities, according to a new report from energy research leader Chartwell Inc.
With details on how regulators in 30 states view advanced metering and time-of-use (TOU) rates, Regulatory Impact on AMR found that while some regulators such as those in Idaho are encouraging advanced metering, most are not mandating installations or investigations into the technology.
In addition to a detailed analysis of the smart initiative in Ontario, Regulatory Impact on AMR explains why California's three investor-owned utilities assess advanced metering quite differently. A case study within the report explains why Pacific Gas & Electric is in favor of a territory-wide advanced metering deployment. The report also details the reasons San Diego Gas & Electric is considering a partial deployment.
However, cost indeed remains the biggest obstacle to advanced metering -- which is the main reason Southern California Edison officials say they currently are against deploying an advanced metering infrastructure. Interestingly, the government of Ontario, Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison, each estimate it will cost at least $1 billion to install advanced metering for their respective territories. Ontario estimates smart meters will cost customers $3 to $4 per month.
Regulatory Impact on AMR also examines the controversy surrounding the Ontario Energy Board's proposal to mandate two-way metering and why some vendors feel their one-way systems are sufficient to meet the province's smart metering goals. It also provides the various ways utilities and regulators define advanced metering and includes a second case study on why an Ontario utility is considering using two AMR systems to meet smart metering requirements.
Regulatory Impact on AMR is available to non-Chartwell members for $395. The report is part of Chartwell's Metering Research Series, the only unbiased and continuous research service devoted exclusively to the AMR industry. Annual series membership can include access to:
-- more than 30 AMR-related reports;
-- AMR-related reports released during the membership term,
most with at least two utility case studies;
-- monthly intelligence reports on AMR trends and
technologies; and
-- past and current annual reports focusing on AMR surveys of
100-plus utilities.
For more information about Regulatory Impact on AMR or The Metering Research Series, please contact Bill Grist at (800) 432-5879 or (404) 237-9099, or visit www.energylibrary.com.