Path to Plugfest: AMI 2.0 and Private Networks

Next-Gen Technologies: Why AMI 2.0 and Private LTE Matter

Utility networks are changing. Fast. The days of simple meter readings and basic control are over. The grid is becoming a complex, data-driven machine that needs to adapt quickly. Think of your home: smart thermostats, solar panels on roofs, EV chargers in garages. That’s just a glimpse of what utilities are dealing with on a massive scale.

From AMI 1.0 to AMI 2.0: A Quick Evolution

In the beginning, AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) was about automating meter reads—simple stuff. AMI 1.0 saved time and cut costs by eliminating manual readings, but it didn’t do much more. Next came AMI 1.5—a bit smarter, sending more frequent updates and adding two-way communication. Yet it still struggled to deliver real-time insights.

Now we have AMI 2.0. It’s the brain of the grid. AMI 2.0 isn’t just about reading meters—it’s about controlling the network. Smart meters, fault detectors, and grid-edge sensors talk to each other, giving utilities a live view of grid health. When a transformer fails, the system knows and reacts before the lights go out. That’s a game-changer.

What Does AMI Do?

With AMI 2.0, utilities can:

• Monitor energy use minute-by-minute.
• Respond to demand surges to prevent blackouts.
• Pinpoint faults and fix them fast.
• Integrate renewables like solar and battery storage seamlessly.

It’s like upgrading from a basic map to a live GPS—complete visibility and control.

Why This Matters Now

The stakes are higher. The existing systems, built decades ago, are creaking under new demands. AMI 1.0 and 1.5 networks are nearing the end of their life. At the same time, distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar, wind, and EVs are flooding into the grid. These aren’t passive assets—they generate and consume power unpredictably, creating a need for constant balancing.

In the recent video podcast from Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) , Muhammad (Mo) Al-Ahmar succinctly summed up why AMI 2.0 is now critical for utilities:

• Use AMI 2.0 to unlock situational awareness of the grid network
• Interoperability to enhance grid resiliency
• Unlock best-in-class customer experience
• Leverage AI/ML (“not just as buzzwords”) to enhance network operations

How to connect millions of AMI 2.0 devices

To make AMI 2.0 work, utilities need more than just a network—they need a high-speed, secure, and reliable network. Traditional SCADA systems were built for low-bandwidth, low-frequency communication. They’re good for a few readings an hour, not thousands or millions of data points a second, nor is it sufficient to support advanced 2-way, data intensive AMI assets.

That’s where Private LTE (PLTE) comes in. Think of PLTE as the superhighway for utility data. It can support thousands of devices at once, prioritize critical commands, and run faster and more securely than old systems.

Private LTE (PLTE) isn’t just for the grid. It’s a lifeline for everything around it—smart devices, field crews, and first responders. Imagine real-time updates for crews fixing downed lines, streetlights adjusting to traffic, or police using it to share live video. PLTE can handle it - Secure, fast, reliable. One network, many missions. Built to keep everything running, no matter what.

Build vs. Lease: How Utilities Can Roll Out PLTE

When it comes to deploying Private LTE (PLTE) networks, utilities have two main paths: build their own or lease existing infrastructure. Each option has its merits and trade-offs.

1. Build Your Own Network Building a private LTE network from the ground up means full control. Utilities can tailor every aspect of the network - from spectrum (with thanks to the work of companies like Anterix ) and security to coverage and capacity. This flexibility is crucial for critical infrastructure, but it comes at a cost: high capital investment, complex planning, and longer deployment timelines. For large utilities with significant geographic footprints, this approach ensures that the network can be customized to meet unique operational needs.
2. Leasing Existing Infrastructure Leasing provides a faster, lower-cost way to get started. Utilities can use existing towers, wireless networks, and even fiber owned by telecom providers. This reduces upfront costs and speeds up deployment. However, leasing comes with trade-offs: less control over the network, potential security concerns, and limited flexibility during peak usage or emergencies. For smaller utilities or those wanting to test PLTE’s potential, leasing is a practical way to launch quickly without the heavy lift.

Why Build? The Case for Control

With the rise of DERs (Distributed Energy Resources), EV infrastructure, and a growing need for real-time data, utilities are increasingly choosing to build their own PLTE networks. It’s about more than just reliability—it’s about building a network that’s secure, resilient, and built for the long-term. Southern Linc , arguably the biggest and most advanced Utility Private Network in the world, focus on these key aspects. Their Engineering Director, Alan McIntyre , has on many occasion spoken about these three drivers at utility and wireless conferences in recent years.

Opportunities in Building a Network:

1. Security A dedicated network means control over data flows and encryption standards. Sensitive information stays within the utility’s walls, lowering risk.
2. Reliability Prioritize critical traffic and ensure network stability. No competition for bandwidth, no lag, no delays. As Alan says 'you can build in as much redundancy as you like... you have a lot of control over what you do to keep that cell site up'
3. Resiliency Design the network to withstand storms, cyberattacks, or other disruptions. This level of robustness is vital as utilities become more digital and interconnected.

'you can build in as much redundancy as you like... you have a lot of control over what you do to keep that cell site up... even with all that redundancy, things will still happen so resiliency is important to us' - Alan McIntyre, Southern Company

But building also brings new challenges:

Challenges in Building a Network:

1. New Technology PLTE requires utilities to master cellular technology—something traditionally outside their domain.
2. New Assets Utilities need to deploy and manage new assets like LTE towers, antennas, and edge data centers. This means more sites, more maintenance, and more complexity.
3. New Operations Running a PLTE network demands new skills and operational changes. Utilities must train teams and possibly even create new roles to handle the added responsibilities.
4. Deployment and Configuration Rolling out a network at scale isn’t easy. Site acquisition, permitting, and integration with existing systems require precision and experience. Even a small delay can ripple across a large project.

How Sitenna Can Help

Sitenna’s platform is designed to make large-scale rollouts smoother, faster, and more secure. With AMI 2.0 and Private LTE, utilities face new complexities, but our integrated approach simplifies it all:

1. Security at the Core: As more critical infrastructure moves online, data and system security are non-negotiable. Sitenna’s platform prioritizes security in every layer, ensuring all project data is safeguarded from acquisition through deployment.
2. Integrated Solutions for Seamless Collaboration: Sitenna connects internal teams and external partners on one secure platform. Whether it’s managing permits, coordinating with contractors, or tracking asset deployments, all stakeholders stay on the same page—eliminating silos and speeding up the process.
3. More Impact, Same Resources: With Sitenna, utilities can achieve more with their existing teams. Our platform streamlines workflows, automates routine tasks, and offers real-time visibility into projects. This multiplier effect means you can expand your network without having to significantly increase your team size or budget.

This combination of security, integration, and efficiency helps utilities build future-ready networks without compromising on control or cost.

What’s Next?

Building your own PLTE network offers security, control, and resilience. But it’s just the beginning. For AMI 2.0 to work and DERs to thrive, utilities need more than a new network—they need a new approach to managing assets and operations. That’s where the real challenge- and opportunity - lies.

That is what Plugfest is all about - bringing together industry experts to share insights and learnings. Unlocking collaborations and partnerships that will underpin Utility Private Networks for years to come.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we explore how utilities are tackling these challenges with modern infrastructure upgrades and resilient grid designs. The next step? Making all these pieces work together—securely and efficiently.

Links and references:

2023 UBBA Successful Journey to PLTE - Utility Panel

Exploring the evolution of AMI 2.0