The industry cannot afford to rely on outdated legacy methods. Currently, object-on-wire faults are a sizable source of outages and are usually discovered through field teams visually inspecting line segment by line segment. This is a tedious process, especially across large distribution grids and lines spanning remote locations.

Similar to automation solutions in manufacturing, the energy grid could benefit dramatically through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Cue: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) 2.0 meters, with the processing power to deliver AI at the edge of the grid.

This modernization can shift the way companies and their customers interact by creating a smart, distributed, connected grid. AMI 2.0 meters can support software running AI models directly in every meter across the grid, and they can process 50-million times more data than first generation smart meters for near-instantaneous visibility into the distribution system. This allows companies to detect faults and safety threats before they escalate. With the right sensing, processing speed, and control capabilities, on-meter, software-based vegetation management is more effective than existing solutions.

At Sense, the real-time data intelligence we deliver through next-generation smart meters improves grid reliability, safety, and operational efficiency. We work with companies like Southern Company’s Georgia Power and its customers to pilot these capabilities in the field.

We give companies a high-resolution view of the local grid distribution system and the ability to experience the potential of AMI 2.0. During strong winds, for example, tree branches often disrupt power wires, but with smart meters, grid operators see anomalies occur near-instantly and can act immediately to avoid outages. With AMI 2.0’s powerful computation placed on the grid edge, it’s simple to improve response times and deploy service teams.

AMI 2.0 meters that provide a high-resolution view of the local distribution system and allow companies to respond to resilience issues as they happen are the way forward.