AMI & AMR
Revolutionize your operations with Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) and Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) hardware.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a fixed-network smart metering system that automatically collects usage data and transmits it to the utility without manual reads.
AMI systems are commonly deployed by municipal water and gas utilities seeking operational efficiency and improved billing accuracy.
AMI enables:
- Remote meter reading
- Leak detection alerts
- Usage analytics
- Remote connect/disconnect (gas where applicable)
- Reduced field labor
Automated Meter Reading (AMR) uses mobile or drive-by technology to collect meter data.
Key Differences:
AMI
- Fixed network infrastructure
- Automated, often near real-time reads
- Stronger analytics
- Long-term labor reduction
AMR
- Lower upfront cost
- Drive-by or handheld collection
- Good for small or rural systems
- Limited real-time visibility
Mountain States helps rural and urban utilities evaluate which model aligns with terrain, staffing, and capital budgets.
Is AMI worth it for small or rural utilities?
Yes, when designed properly.
Rural utilities face:
- Wide meter spacing
- Mountain or valley terrain
- Limited staffing
- Aging infrastructure
AMI can reduce:
- Manual reading routes
- Overtime labor
- Billing estimation
- Leak response delays
The decision depends on density, terrain, and long-term operational planning. Mountain States conducts feasibility evaluations before recommending full deployment.
Cellular AMI for water & gas utilities
Cellular AMI systems operate on existing cellular communication infrastructure, reducing upfront costs and allowing for a gradual integration into an existing meter network. This gives utilities the opportunity to assess risk and work within budget constraints.
- No network infrastructure to manage
- Allows for rapid deployment
- Long-term evolution (LTE) investment protection
- 20-year battery endpoint life
- Standards-based LTE-M, Cat-M1 networks
- Supports advanced distribution-side leak sensors
With improvements in performance and battery life, Itron’s next-generation, standards-based cellular network is an important part of any intelligently connected network.
loT NaaS canopies for water AMI
Itron’s Gen5 water endpoints allow water utilities to immediately leverage the existing assets of their electric IOU neighbors, creating an advanced AMI network supporting smart water meters, analytics, consumer portals and more. Using Internet of Things Network as a Service (IoT NaaS) canopies, this can all be accomplished at a fraction of the time, cost, and maintenance of building out a separate, single-purpose network.
- Joint Use network
- No network infrastructure to manage
- Leverages Itron’s Multi-purpose Gen5 IIoT Network
- Allows for rapid deployment
- Mesh topology for redundancy and 2-way communications
- Self-healing Gen5 RF-mesh network platform
IoT NaaS Canopies for Water AMI are proven, standards-based, multi-purpose network solutions optimal for utilities with fewer than 100,000 metering endpoints. The solution offers everything you need to quickly benefit from the efficiencies and operational cost-savings of AMI-based utility services, while also laying the groundwork to support emerging industry needs and future use cases.
Multi-utility connectivity
The Itron GenX electric network is an advanced communications platform that connects smart electric meters, grid devices, and utility systems into a unified, intelligent network. It enables real-time visibility and control across the electric grid, supporting more efficient and reliable energy delivery.
Key functions include:
- Advanced Connectivity: Combines cellular and mesh networking to ensure secure, reliable communication between electric meters and grid systems.
- Real-Time Grid Intelligence: Enables continuous monitoring of energy usage, voltage, and system performance for faster decision-making.
- Distributed Intelligence: Supports edge computing, allowing devices like smart meters to process data locally and coordinate grid activity.
- Interoperability: Works across multiple device types and vendors, simplifying integration and expanding utility capabilities.
- Grid Optimization & Reliability: Enhances outage detection, load management, and overall grid resilience through smarter data and automation.
Aquana smart valves for water utilities
The Aquana Smart Valve allows you to open, close, or reduce the flow of water remotely without having to send a technician to the service location. This helps keep employees safe, reduce operational costs, and simplify customer service.
- 3 positions (open, closed, reduced flow)
- Cellular LTE-M, Bluetooth local control, or wired serial for Itron endpoints
- NPSM swivel nut valve body for easy installation
- IP68 fully potted housing
- Single or batch valve control
Aquana cloud-based web and mobile apps enable you to monitor and control water use from anywhere. Set up real-time notifications, manage unlimited users, configure event actions, schedule valve position commands one at a time or in batch, and more.