Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Solutions & Systems
Stay informed about your utility infrastructure, ensure better accuracy, and have greater flexibility.
Gain Deeper Insight into Your Natural Gas System with a Proven Sensus AMI Solution.
Are you ready to bring your utility’s natural gas system into the digital age? The Sensus FlexNet AMI solution—a leading advanced metering infrastructure system—makes the transition easier and more reliable than you may think.
Sensus FlexNet goes far beyond remote meter reading. It delivers real-time monitoring of sensors, distribution automation and control, cathodic protection oversight, remote service disconnect, and advanced analytics—all on a secure, utility-grade network.
With Sensus AMI, your utility stays prepared and secure for evolving industry demands, including stricter safety regulations and sustainability goals. Flexible implementation options let you add capabilities at a pace that fits your budget and operations—start with priority areas or deploy system-wide.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?
An advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is a comprehensive, two-way fixed-network system that combines smart meters, robust communications, and data management software. It enables real-time data collection, remote control, proactive alerts, and integration with tools like SCADA for smarter decision-making.
Unlike traditional metering or one-way AMR systems, AMI provides continuous, bidirectional communication for enhanced visibility and control across your natural gas distribution network.
Sensus FlexNet AMI architecture stands out with its efficient point-to-multipoint (PtMP) design:
- Endpoints on meters and sensors transmit directly to strategically placed base stations/collectors over large geographic areas.
- Licensed, private radio frequencies deliver high-power, long-range signals with built-in redundancy and overlapping coverage for exceptional reliability.
- This reduces infrastructure needs dramatically—often requiring just 1/10th the collectors compared to competitors—while ensuring secure, interference-free data transmission.
Key Features & Advanced Metering Infrastructure Benefits
Sensus FlexNet is the most robust AMI solution for natural gas utilities, operators, and campuses—delivering measurable advanced metering infrastructure benefits like reduced costs, improved safety, compliance, and revenue protection.
Gas Measurement
Meter data collection is essential for revenue accuracy. FlexNet minimizes associated costs while maximizing impact.
- Reduced truck rolls and labor costs through remote, on-demand meter readings
- Continuous interval consumption data resolves customer inquiries quickly and reduces billing disputes
- Theft/tamper detection and accurate low-flow measurement protect revenue and minimize lost/unaccounted-for gas
Pressure Monitoring
Move beyond outdated chart recorders with real-time insights to enhance safety and system performance
- Real-time pressure data keeps operators informed on distribution system health
- NNear real-time alarms and trend analysis help prevent overpressure events before they escalate
- Supports PHMSA compliance and predictive maintenance for fewer emergencies
Cathodic Protection
Combat corrosion on steel assets with remote, efficient monitoring.
- Monitor cathodic protection assets and complete compliance tests remotely
- True two-way communication with rectifier monitors and controllers
- Test station monitors enable instant-off PHMSA tests in seconds instead of hours
- Reduced labor resources needed for work tasks such as critical asset maintenance
- Significantly reduced labor for critical asset maintenance
*Learn more in our white paper, Remotely Monitoring Cathodic Protection.
Secure Communications
Data security and reliability are non-negotiable. FlexNet excels here.
- Operates on private, licensed primary frequencies—no sharing or interference from other RF users
- Prioritized frequencies protected by federal law, with higher transmission power (over 2x competitors) for greater range and fewer collectors
- Requires just 1/10th the network infrastructure of alternatives, lowering long-term operating costs
- Storm-hardened asset requirements and network coverage redundancy ensures dependable performance
Distribution Automation
Address emerging needs for proactive control—even if you haven’t yet.
- Sensus Automation Control software enables near real-time automatic responses to pressure/flow changes
- Visualize critical data on flow rate, pressure, and temperature for key assets
- Schedule adjustments for peak demand and automate processes to prevent hazards like overpressure
Frequently Asked Questions about Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Solutions
What is an AMI solution, and how does it differ from traditional metering or AMR?
AMI is a two-way, fixed-network advanced metering infrastructure system (like Sensus FlexNet) for real-time data, remote control, and analytics—far surpassing one-way AMR by enabling sensor monitoring, automation, and proactive management.
What are the main AMI benefits for natural gas utilities?
Key advanced metering infrastructure benefits include reduced labor/truck rolls, real-time safety insights (pressure/cathodic protection), revenue protection (theft/leak detection), compliance efficiency (PHMSA tests), lower infrastructure costs, and sustainability gains through fewer emissions from field operations.
How does the Sensus FlexNet advanced metering infrastructure architecture work?
FlexNet uses a reliable point-to-multipoint design on licensed frequencies: Endpoints transmit directly to base stations with high power and redundancy. This covers wide areas with minimal collectors, ensuring secure, interference-free communication to your utility systems.
Is implementing an AMI solution expensive or disruptive?
Costs scale with deployment size, but FlexNet’s efficient PtMP (Point to MultiPoint) network architecture lowers upfront and ongoing expenses. Phased rollouts (e.g., starting with high-priority zones) minimize disruption. Many utilities achieve strong ROI through immediate savings in labor and avoided issues.
How secure is Sensus FlexNet compared to other AMI options?
FlexNet uses private, federally protected licensed frequencies—offering superior security, higher power, and less vulnerability than unlicensed or cellular systems that share public spectrum.
Can we integrate AMI with our existing SCADA or other systems?
Yes—FlexNet integrates seamlessly with SCADA platforms, head-end software, and analytics tools for unified monitoring and control.
What about ROI and payback period for a gas utility?
Utilities often see payback in 3–7 years via operational savings (reduced truck rolls, faster compliance), revenue gains (accurate billing, theft prevention), and deferred costs. Contact us for a customized ROI assessment based on your system size.
How do we get started with a Sensus AMI solution through Holland Supply?
Simply reach out—we’ll assess your needs, recommend optimal sizing/configuration, and provide guidance on what a deployment tailored to your utility would look like.
Want to learn more?
Contact us and discover all that an AMI solution can do for you.