Smart grid, smart city: how advanced metering infrastructure supports urban decarbonisation

Smart grids are the future of sustainability, especially in cities where carbon emissions are highest. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) supports urban decarbonisation efforts by providing accurate data. Smart cities are making significant strides, including the use of advanced metering consultants, to further their goals of lowering emissions and making cities greener.

What is AMI?

Traditional energy meters were more archaic than AMI because they required manual operation, where a worker would check the machine themselves and record the data monthly. This wastes energy on transportation and vehicle pollution. AMI delivers data digitally to companies with daily or hourly updates, providing consumers and cities with accurate knowledge of energy usage without the risk of human error.

AMI also operates using two-way communication, so companies receive energy data and send commands back to optimize energy usage. Sometimes, AMI can automatically adjust systems to be more energy-efficient. With improved data, cities can reconstruct many regulations and internal processes to become more sustainable.

How does AMI support urban decarbonisation?

Urban decarbonisation refers to cities’ efforts to reduce their overall greenhouse gas emissions. This includes buildings, transportation and other energy-intensive operations. Cities account for about 70 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, so any system that can diminish the percentage is welcome.

With precise data, cities can understand and direct sustainable practices to the most efficient locations. AMI supports urban decarbonisation efforts through its accurate data collection and analysis, thereby leading to the following improvements.

1. Conserves energy

AMI identifies areas with the most energy usage. If residents live in the building, it informs them about the best times to run energy-intensive machines like washers and dryers. Often, using energy during off-times is cheaper and more sustainable than during peak operation.

2. Identifies issues

It is challenging for cities to enhance their operational efficiency without pinpointing the most pressing areas. AMI identifies regions with weak, energy-wasting infrastructure and locates areas with high energy demands, enabling cities to direct energy to more efficient locations. It also helps add cleaner energy sources to more demanding areas.

Because it identifies energy waste, AMI’s data collection can provide valuable energy efficiency advice and programmes. It also makes audits more personalised and effective in identifying and resolving problems, helping to reduce cities’ overall carbon emissions.

3. Aids renewable energy

Renewable energy is a major contributor to sustainability efforts in cities. AMI provides data for integrating rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles and battery storage systems into the city’s infrastructure. It also measures the energy flow to make renewable energy more effective.

Smart grids can become congested. AMI prevents this by providing data that enhances the system’s stability for long-term use. Without delays, smart grids work efficiently and sustainably. AMI also manages thermostats as needed, rather than running them constantly.

4. Creates new regulations

With the data AMI collects, governments have a more comprehensive idea of energy usage and locations with the most issues. They can use this knowledge to create more accurate regulations that preserve cities’ energy needs while limiting carbon emissions as much as possible.

Why use advanced metering consulting services?

Advanced metering consultants help cities utilise AMI efficiently. TRC Companies is a leading consulting service that provides evidence-based solutions. Committed to client success, its advice is well-researched and compelling, helping clients adapt to changes of any size. TRC specializes in consulting, management, construction and engineering, operating since 1969.

It values finding sustainable solutions. Keeping economic growth in mind, it offers eco-friendly opportunities for clients to thrive and contribute to environmental sustainability. It boasts a trusting partnership using tested practitioners and fostering a safety-first culture. Change occurs with increased awareness of environmental efforts, and TRC Companies promotes education alongside viable solutions.

Using AMI to improve smart grids

AMI drives decarbonisation efforts in cities by providing accurate data that conserves energy, identifies problems, aids renewable energy and creates new regulations. Trusted consulting services help implement AMI, aiding in urban decarbonizsation for a more sustainable future.

Photo by Federico Beccari on Unsplash