New guidelines have been released to enhance interoperability in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems in India, focusing on standardizing communication between various components of smart metering systems. These guidelines were issued on January 16, 2025.
The guidelines outline two distinct phases for implementation: Phase A and Phase B.
Two-Phase Approach to Interoperability
The guidelines address interoperability at various levels, from the meter to the Head-End System (HES) and ultimately to the Meter Data Management System (MDMS).
1. Phase A: Unified HES – MDMS Interface Specification (Early Solution)
This initial phase aims to establish a unified HES with standardized interfaces to the MDMS and meters using two primary communication technologies:
- Direct Cellular Equipped Meters: Meters with built-in cellular connectivity.
- RF Mesh Equipped Meters: Meters communicating via an RF mesh network, using an aggregator provided by the meter vendor.
In Phase A, module swapping is allowed only within the same communication technology (cellular with cellular, RF with RF) and from the same supplier, ensuring identical form factors and pin configurations.
2. Phase B: Pluggable Module Specification (Advanced Solution)
This phase introduces a more advanced approach by separating the communication module from the meter itself, while maintaining a secure enclosure. This is achieved through a standardized interface on the meter that accepts pluggable modules using various communication technologies, including cellular and RF mesh. This standard is being developed under BIS ETD13.
Phase B enables:
- Direct Cellular Communication Modules: Pluggable modules can be used with meters from different vendors.
- RF Mesh Communication Modules: Pluggable modules can be used with meters from different vendors, communicating via an aggregator provided by the communication module vendor.
Key Standardization Goals
The guidelines aim to achieve the following:
- Unified HES: A single unified HES with standardized interfaces to the MDM and meters/aggregators, enabling interoperability between different HES manufacturers.
- WAN Connected Meters: Support for two communication options:
- Direct IS-15959 (Parts 1, 2, and 3) for application protocol between the HES and meters (mandatory for both HES and meters).
- Communication via a WAN adapter using an IEC61968-9 based interface (with additional messages).
- RF/NAN Connected Meters: Communication through an NMS Adapter using an IEC61968-9 based interface (with additional messages).
- Upstream Communication: Standardized communication between the unified HES and MDMS using an IEC61968 based API.
These guidelines are expected to significantly improve the efficiency and scalability of smart metering deployments in India by:
- Promoting interoperability between different vendors’ equipment.
- Reducing integration complexities and costs.
- Facilitating the adoption of new communication technologies in the future.
This standardization effort represents a major step towards building a more robust and flexible smart grid infrastructure in the country.
