UD-16-04: Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Request For Cost Recovery, And Related Relief
Council Docket UD-16-04, established via Resolution R-17-7, considers Entergy New Orleans’ (“ENO”) application for approval to acquire, construct, deploy, own, operate and maintain advanced metering infrastructure (“AMI”) to enhance its electric system. By definition, AMI is an integrated system of meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers. The procedural schedule established a 30-day period for interested parties to intervene, appointed a hearing officer, established a period of discovery for questions to ENO regarding its application, and set a procedural schedule that allowed parties and intervenors to file testimony for the consideration of ENO’s AMI request. According to ENO, key benefits of AMI include, but are not limited to:
- automated remote meter reading,
- two-way communications,
- improved billing accuracy,
- faster customer service response,
- remote enabled service connection, disconnection, and reconnection,
- automated meter health and status communication,
- customer usage setting and alerts,
- outage management support, including restoration verification, and
- theft and tamper notifications to ENO.
On January 29, 2018, ENO and the Advisors executed a Stipulated Settlement and Term Sheet (“AMI Term Sheet”) finding that AMI is in the public interest, serves the public convenience and necessity, and is therefore prudent. Thereafter, on February 8, 2018, in Resolution R-18-37, the Council approved the proposed AIP. In addition, via Resolution R-18-224, the Council approved an accelerated deployment so that customers can realize the benefits of AMI sooner. Currently, ENO is on track to complete deployment by the end of 2020 as presented in ENO’s AMI update for City Council Advisors report.