VSI Meter Services, Inc. has been selected to manage the deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), a subsidiary of Constellation Energy, across its entire service territory in Central Maryland. The pilot deployment is set to begin in the third quarter of 2008. Pending Maryland Public Service Commission approval, full deployment will follow in 2009. The full deployment will encompass the replacement or upgrading of more than 1.2 million electric meters and 640,000 natural gas meters.
When AMI is fully implemented at BGE, the number of customer service benefits will expand to include remote meter reading, which would virtually eliminate estimated bills, and improved detection of power outages which could lead to faster restoration. In addition, AMI will give customers the capability to review their previous day's energy usage online and to participate in new pricing programs that will allow customers to reduce peak energy demand and save money.
Once fully implemented, AMI will offer customers other benefits including:
- Quickly fulfilling customer's request to switch to different pricing options
- Swiftly resolving high bill inquiries
- Immediately fulfilling a customer's request to start or stop service, and quickly rendering a customer's final bill
The pilot program is scheduled to begin in mid-2008. Full deployment of smart meters will take place over a period of three years, beginning in 2009, pending Maryland Public Service Commission approval.
