ATLANTA, Jan. 11, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- More metering data than ever is rolling in from AMR systems and utilities are struggling to manage and benefit from it. The latest report from Chartwell, Meter Data Management: Five Steps To Get The Most Out Of Your Meter Data Management System outlines the challenges utilities face in maintaining increasing amounts of energy usage data delivered by automated systems and the ways energy providers can benefit from this detailed information.
The use of data warehousing (as opposed to using databases) is rising, Chartwell found in its recent annual survey of utility metering professionals. In 2004, about 24% of utilities reported they were using some sort of data warehouse. In 2005, the percentage rose to 34%. In 2004, 38% reported they where either considering, planning or piloting data warehousing projects. By 2005, that number had risen to 45%.
When to upgrade to a data warehouse, as well as many other topics are covered in Meter Data Management: Five Steps To Get The Most Out Of Your Meter Data Management System. In this report, Chartwell researchers reveal the steps needed to help you get the most out of your MDM system. Interviews with industry experts and case studies round out the report.
For example, to get the most out of a meter data management system and to reap the benefits as quickly as possible, companies should have their systems designed and set up before a single meter is installed in the field. Too late? Nevermind. There are many ways to take advantage of existing systems.
In addition to a discussion on data warehousing, Chartwell's Meter Data Management: Five Steps To Get The Most Out Of Your Meter Data Management System offers advice on how to think about MDM and whether it is better to outsource the work or keep it in-house.
The report also covers the most common problems (and solutions) companies face when trying to access the data and derive useful information from it. The last section considers the future impact of national regulations on MDM.
For information regarding the Research Series or Chartwell's Premier membership, contact Bill Grist at (404) 237-9099 or (800) 432-5879. A free table of contents and summary of this report can be downloaded at http://www.energylibrary.com/.
Recently released reports in the Series include:
-- Vendors & Technologies Report 2006 -- The Chartwell AMR Report 2005, 10th Edition -- AMR for Distribution Efficiency -- The Prepaid Metering Report 2005, 3rd Ed.
You can purchase and download these reports from Chartwell's Energy Library at http://www.energylibrary.com/.
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Chartwell Inc. seeks to provide a better understanding of technologies, issues and management practices in the utility and retail energy services industry through best practices case studies and quantitative research.