Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association requests the Government of Alberta to reconsider implementation of AMI until the cost versus benefit of AMI is evaluated and understood by the public and that upon completion of the draft regulations there are appropriate opportunities for stakeholders to provide review and feedback.
WHEREAS the Province is drafting province-wide regulations regarding AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) which are now being circulated for comment; and
WHEREAS these new regulations contain provisions which will be costly to Alberta consumers, but will provide them with limited benefit, namely:
1. The provision of two-way metering when very few households are likely to be capable of generating electricity back to the grid in the next five to seven years.
2. The requirement to provide remote disconnects when this feature is currently applied to very few customers on an annual basis.
3. The possibility that the wire service provider is responsible for supplying and maintaining the “in-house display” on the meter to indicate hourly usage and the CO2 being produced on an hourly basis (which will not be 100% accurate depending on what generation in the province is active).
Feb 16, 2011 - Alberta Energy
The Provincial Energy Strategy includes a strategy to promote smart metering to help Albertans better understand their consumption patterns and incent greener responses.
The AUC has just completed a Smart Grid Inquiry report. This report addresses a range of smart grid issues, including the infrastructure required. As the study is reviewed and policy is developed, the government will see input from interested parties such as AUMA.
Feb 13, 2011 - Alberta Environment
The Government of Alberta has not made a decision about implementing Advanced Metering Infrastructure; however, we are considering the concerns expressed by industry participants, including members of Alberta Urban Municipalities Association. The results of the Smart Grid inquiry (which includes the Advanced Metering Infrastructure) being conducted by the Alberta Utilities Commission will be considered before further steps are taken. Although this will not be completed in 2011, provincial policy will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, including the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.
AUMA Considers this response.