As utilities seek smarter, more efficient ways to manage gas resources, two common solutions come into play: AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) and AMR (Automated Meter Reading). While both systems help utilities gather essential data from customer meters, they differ in functionality, communication methods, and potential benefits.
Understanding the distinction between AMI and AMR is essential for utility providers looking to make informed choices about their infrastructure and service capabilities. Below we will explore the key differences between AMI and AMR, their unique advantages, and how each can impact utility operations and customer satisfaction.
So, what is the difference between AMR and AMI?
AMR Solutions Overview
Purpose: Focuses on automatically collecting meter data (e.g., water, gas, or electricity consumption) and transmitting it to the utility. AMR systems are primarily used for billing purposes to replace manual meter reading.
AMR Features
- One-way data communication from meter to utility using radio frequencies, cellular networks, or drive-by systems (typically mounted in a vehicle or through a handheld receiver)
- Uses existing meters and indexes deployed in the system
- Customized reports for consumption, alarm summary, no reads, low battery, and more
- Heads-up display
AMR Benefits
- Reduces estimated readings and associated re-billing costs
- Lowers the operational cost of meter reading
- Reduces billing errors and customer disputes
- Mitigates manual entry of data into billing system
- Safer for utility employees than manually reading meter
- Reduces unnecessary truck rolls
Learn More About AMR Solutions
AMI Solutions Overview
Purpose: An advanced system that enables two-way communication between the meter and the utility. This allows utilities and customers to monitor and manage energy usage in near real-time, improve grid reliability, and support dynamic pricing.
AMI Features
- Over the Air (OTA) communication of metrology and sensor data
- Sensus FlexNet is the only Point-to-Multipoint system with an FCC-licensed utility-grade network
- Remote disconnect of gas service
- Parameter-based disconnects for carbon monoxide, pressure, temperature, and flow rate
- Uses integrated systems and technology, including smart meters, communication networks, and data management tools
AMI Benefits
- Remote diagnostics and timely alarm notifications for system changes
- Provides more than just billing data—it supports energy management, outage detection, demand response, and detailed consumption reports for customers
- Reduction in operational costs associated with meter reading and sensory data collection
- Enhanced safety and regulatory compliance
- Data security due to two-way communication taking place on a private frequency with no public interference
Learn More About AMI Solutions
Choosing Between AMI & AMR
While both AMI and AMR solutions serve the essential function of meter data collection, they differ significantly in their scope, communication capabilities, and benefits for natural gas utilities. AMR provides a basic, one-way data transmission for billing efficiency, reducing labor, and ensuring accurate usage data. In contrast, AMI goes further by enabling two-way communication, empowering utilities with real-time insights, improved outage management, and remote capabilities to provide utilities with more informed consumption usage data and improved safety.
As utilities modernize, AMI’s advanced infrastructure stands out as a comprehensive solution for achieving energy efficiency, grid reliability, and better customer engagement. However, selecting between AMI and AMR ultimately depends on a utility's goals, budget, and the level of control it wants to offer customers over their energy usage.
See how Holland’s AMR or AMI solutions can add efficiencies to your utility.
Talk with a Holland expert.