Factor This Why shifting from AMI 2.0 to NextWave AMI could define the future of grid intelligence
Mar 23, 2026
Matt Wakefield, Director of Information, Communication & Cyber Security Research at EPRI, researches advanced metering, DER data use cases, and grid cybersecurity. He contrasts old meter-focused AMI thinking with a capability-first NextWave AMI. He highlights grid visibility, DER integration, stacked benefits from platform upgrades, and the need to align people, processes, and data governance.
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AMI Must Be Viewed As A Grid Platform
- AMI's first wave focused on meter-to-cash tasks like reads and outage flags rather than broader grid functions.
- Matt Wakefield frames AMI evolution as a platform for planning, operations, reliability, and flexibility beyond billing.
Stop Chasing Version Numbers
- Avoid framing upgrades as version jumps; instead evaluate capabilities and value relative to each utility's starting point.
- Wakefield warns version labels create churn because utilities differ in tech maturity, integration, and remaining asset life.
Don't Delay Benefits Waiting For Next Gen
- Waiting for a hypothetical next-gen system can delay realizable benefits available today.
- EPRI surveys show about 60% of utilities still use AMI mainly for billing and outage detection, leaving untapped capabilities.