Building a smart energy future for our customers and our communities
The time to prepare for the future is now. In one of the most extensive technology initiatives we’ve ever undertaken, Alliant Energy has begun the work to build a smart energy future. One of the key components to a smart energy future is Smart Grid.
A Smart Grid delivers energy from suppliers to consumers using digital technology to save energy, reduce costs and increase reliability.
Advantages of Smart Grid technologies
The four key drivers for Alliant Energy’s Smart Grid strategy are:
Building the Smart Grid foundation: Advanced Metering Infrastructure
In order to build a Smart Grid, we must first lay the foundation for it. In late 2007 we began preparations to deploy Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology. We are now in the process of exchanging – or retrofitting – approximately 1.4 million electric and natural gas meters throughout our service territory with new AMI-enabled smart meters.
Wondering how AMI works, what the benefits of it are or how it will be rolled out? Keep reading to learn more about this new technology.
How it works | Benefits | Timeline | AMI in the news | Frequently asked questions
How it works
Electric and natural gas meters are read remotely through communications towers. This usage information is then transmitted to Alliant Energy via a fixed radio frequency network where it is then used in our billing, customer service and outage management systems.
Current:
Future:
September 15, 2009
Alliant Energy laying foundation for Smart Grid
August 14, 2009
Alliant Energy laying foundation for Smart Grid
August 12, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to the Tomah area
July 20, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Crawford County and northern Grant County
July 15, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Green County
July 14, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Waushara, Portage and Marquette Counties
June 2, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Berlin, Omro and Winneconne areas
April 27, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Grant and Lafayette Counties
April 21, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Ripon area
March 4, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Iowa County and parts of rural western Dane County
February 26, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to North Central Wisconsin
February 25, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Rock County
January 20, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to eastern Dane County
January 19, 2009
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to southern Sauk and Richland Counties
December 15, 2008
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to the Sheboygan area
December 12, 2008
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to western Dane County
November 5, 2008
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to DeForest and Windsor areas
November 5, 2008
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Fond du Lac area
March 18, 2008
Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes to Beaver Dam area
February 25, 2008
Wisconsin Power and Light Company to implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Look here for answers to frequently asked questions about advanced metering and the impact on our utility operations.
What is AMI?
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology enables meters to be read remotely. AMI technology remotely collects energy usage information at frequent intervals from customers' AMI-enabled electric and/or natural gas meters via a Radio Frequency (RF) fixed network.
What is the difference between AMR and AMI?
Automated meter reading (AMR) is the collection of meter data without manually visiting the meter location. It's typically a drive-by or walk-by system.
AMI is a technology that enables meters to be read remotely via a fixed network without having to visit the customer property on a regular basis. Energy usage information is available more frequently and timely.
Why is Alliant implementing AMI technology?
This technology will help us provide new and improved customer services and reduce overall costs.
What is the timeframe of the AMI project?
System preparations began in the last quarter of 2007, and installation of meters began in April 2008 in the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin area.
Completion of deployment throughout the remainder of the WPL service territory is expected in mid 2010. Deployment of AMI in the IPL territory is anticipated to begin in 2011 with a planned project completion in 2013.
When will you be installing these meters in my neighborhood?
You will be notified by mail prior to your scheduled installation.
How many visits will it take to install the new meters?
Depending on the number of meters and services you have with Alliant Energy, it may take several visits to install your new meters. Whenever possible, we will coordinate the installations to minimize inconvenience to you.
How will my meter be read in the interim?
Alliant Energy employees will continue to read meters manually until the AMI network is functional in your neighborhood.
Why are you still reading meters and/or estimating after an AMI meter has been installed?
Meter readers will still continue to read meters each month until all systems are in place and have been tested.
Do you need to change my meter?
Each electric meter will be replaced with a new AMI-enabled meter and gas meters will be retrofitted by adding an AMI module. There may be some gas meters that will be exchanged because of compatibility reasons.
Will there be a separate service charge for this new meter or module retrofit?
No. You will not be charged for the installation or retrofitting of new meters.
What type of information is being transmitted?
Only meter numbers, energy usage readings, and diagnostic information are transmitted through encrypted secure signals. Personal data will not be transmitted so your information will remain private and secure.
Will there be any interruption during the installation?
Electric service interruptions should normally take only a few minutes. Since most gas meters are being retrofitted with an AMI module, there should be no gas service interruption unless the meter has to be replaced because of compatibility reasons.
Will an AE employee continue to come to my property after my AMI meter is installed?
Once the AMI meter is installed, operating and functional in your neighborhood, meter readers will no longer visit your property to collect the meter readings. However, service personnel may visit the meter periodically to perform safety inspections, routine maintenance, or meter testing.
Are these new meters accurate?
Yes. Meters are tested for accuracy by the manufacturer and sample testing is done by Alliant Energy prior to installation.
Do I need to be present when the meter is installed?
You do not need to be present for the electric meter installation or gas meter retrofit if your meter is accessible.
Will someone need to come into my home or business to install the meter?
To exchange indoor meters, your home or business will need to be entered for a short time. Your pilot lights may need to be re-lit if a gas meter has been exchanged for compatibility reasons. Our contractor, VSI Services, will assist with the installation process. They will also verify that the meter is functioning and transmitting data properly.
Meter upgrades will generally occur between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM Monday through Saturday. However, appointments may occur outside of these hours if access is needed to install meters.
How can I be sure this is an employee or representative of Alliant Energy?
All Alliant Energy and VSI employees will be wearing visible identification to allow verification by customers. If you ever have any questions regarding the identity of someone who claims to be working for Alliant Energy, please call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268).
How much will this new technology cost?
Overall, Alliant Energy plans to invest approximately $200 million in advanced metering infrastructure to improve customer service, reduce costs and provide additional rate and energy management options.
Approximately 1.1 million electric customers and 400,000 gas customers in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota will benefit from AMI.
What impact will these costs have on rates?
The impact to customer rates is expected to be very minimal during the initial deployment and over time should result in operational efficiencies that reduce upward pressures on rates. Also, AMI will enable customers to participate in new rate types that could allow them to have greater control of their energy costs based on their ability to adjust usage patterns.
What impact will the AMI project have on staffing levels at Alliant Energy?
As AMI is deployed across our service territory, there will be a reduction in needed staffing for positions currently supporting manual meter reading. We are assisting impacted employees with other training or employment opportunities. However, additional positions have been identified and will continue to be filled to maintain and support the new AMI system.
What frequency does this technology use?
The AMI system operates under an FCC license and uses a portion of the 900 MHz radio frequency band separate from that used commonly by consumer products such as cordless telephones and garage door openers. Because of this, the AMI system will not cause interference problems with other wireless devices.
Are there any potential health concerns with the Radio Frequency (RF) signals?
Several studies have been made on low-power RF transmissions but no negative health impacts have been found. The AMI system we are deploying meets all applicable FCC requirements.
How can I learn more?
Additional information is provided in our Advanced Metering Infrastructure Q&A brochure [PDF].
