Requirements for an automated metering and information system

The unbundling and the liberalisation of the energy markets in Europe force network operators to restructure their internal operational processes and to introduce new technologies and systems to cope with the upcoming requirements. The basic challenge is to increase the efficiency of network operation in all aspects, that means network operation including fault management, network planning, automatisation of customer processes and to define new business opportunities. This article gives some general considerations on how an AMR (Automated Meter Reading) system can be extended to a complete solution in terms of automating all operational processes and build a basis for future applications.