Comparison of life-cycle costs of energy metering processes

In this study, the basis of understanding and analyzing the business framework for measurement in competitive environment is created. Metering issues are currently discussed widely because investment decisions for automated meter reading (AMR) are currently under consideration in many European countries. The possibilities that new technology in the form of AMR offers can be studied more closely when cost structures of metering are more accurately known. In this study life cycle costs for 11 different kind of metering activities are presented. These are combination of 5 different Finnish distribution companies' alternatives to carry out energy measurement. Results show that the nature of metering processes varies according to the way they are carried out. Cost structures show also the parts of organization that put efforts on energy information creation. New technology in form of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) can change the business processes and work in general inside organization. This factor should also be considered. AMR can also cause needs for additional features to fully benefit the investment.