Electricity meter data feeds billing, consumption monitoring and services such as time-of-use pricing. Updating the systems that manage those readings requires utilities to maintain everyday operations while preparing for new meters and data requirements.
Chubu Electric Power Grid, a Japanese transmission and distribution company serving the Chubu region, has deployed 10 million smart meters, Oracle announced on November 4. The utility serves areas including Aichi, Mie, Gifu, Nagano and Shizuoka, and has worked with Oracle on its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative since launching its smart meter control management system in 2013.
Maintaining Operations While Preparing for New Meters
The utility needed to modernize its highly scalable, always-on metering environment while maintaining operational continuity and meeting new requirements for reading intervals. Its plans also called for support for second-generation smart meters and future grid initiatives involving distributed energy resources and electrification.
The utility also linked the upgrade to Japan’s national energy initiatives and preparation for a more distributed electricity network, including electric vehicles and solar generation.
Upgrading Meter Data Management With Hitachi
Chubu Electric Power Grid upgraded to the latest version of Oracle Utilities Meter Data Management (MDM), according to Oracle. The software now accommodates second-generation smart meters, enables readings at 15-minute intervals and handles complex delivery requirements across the utility’s commercial and residential meters.
Oracle worked with Hitachi and other partners to deliver the upgrade around the utility’s operational requirements. The project followed a structured design and build process, with development, testing and validation. Performance testing was tailored to the utility’s operational needs, while planning and collaboration across teams supported the transition.
Oracle reports improved scalability, readiness for the new reading intervals and operational resilience following the upgrade. The utility can also use its smart-meter data to better visualize electricity usage, supporting grid efficiency and customer service.
Meter Data Supports Retailer Billing and Consumption Services
The data has uses beyond the utility’s own operations. Electricity retailers in the Chubu region can use the meter data supplied by Chubu Electric Power Grid to notify customers when consumption may exceed target levels and to monitor solar power generation, according to Oracle.
Smart AMI services also support more precise billing calculations and the development of flexible pricing programs, including time-of-use rates. These capabilities are intended to support more efficient electricity use and reduce demand during peak periods. The milestone is the rollout of 10 million meters alongside an upgraded MDM platform.
What This Means for ERP Insiders
Prepare the data platform before new devices arrive. Chubu Electric Power Grid upgraded its MDM to prepare for second-generation smart meters, and the upgrade added support for 15-minute interval reads. Organizations planning new equipment, sensors or reading frequencies can follow the same order. They can schedule the upgrade of the system that processes the data before the device rollout.
External data users belong in the upgrade scope. Retailers in the Chubu region can use the utility’s meter data to alert customers about their consumption and to monitor solar generation. The upgraded MDM also handles complex delivery requirements. IT leaders planning an upgrade should list every outside party that receives data from the system and build those delivery requirements into design and testing.
Base performance tests on real operating conditions. The upgrade was delivered with Hitachi and other partners, and its performance testing was tailored to the needs of the utility’s always-on environment. Teams preparing similar projects should build test scenarios from their own peak volumes, availability requirements and reading schedules. They should also agree early on which partner owns development, testing and validation.
