Choice Utility Seeks Accelerated AMI Deployment

Connecticut Light and Power (Eversource) applied at the Connecticut PURA for approval of an accelerated deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), using previously selected technologies

Specifically, CL&P seeks to use for the accelerated AMI deployment, "technologies that were procured by Eversource as part of a request for proposals ('RFP') process that it most recently conducted in 2023 for both its Massachusetts and Connecticut electric distribution systems."

CL&P's benefit-cost analysis submitted with its application does contemplate that AMI will be used for "load settlement", though the interval for load settlement with ISO-NE was not specifically identified, with the analysis noting that intervals for ISO-NE settlement may be, "hourly (or sub-hourly)"

The benefit-cost analysis, "Assumes that Massachusetts load settlement will be in place prior to implementation," and notes that if Massachusetts load settlement is not in place prior to Connecticut implementation, "costs can increase materially."

The current inability of Eversource's AMI system in Massachusetts to be used for ISO-NE settlement, absent system changes, and the entities potentially required to fund such ISO-NE load settlement implementation (including potentially retail suppliers) is currently under review by the Massachusetts DPU (see ECM's story here)

At CL&P, the proposed accelerated AMI deployment would start in January 2027 and last for six years. The deployment would begin with backoffice systems and communication mechanisms, followed by meter deployment

Deployment of 1.35 million AMI meters would occur from the second half of 2029 through to 2032.

CL&P proposes to comply with various statutory provisions concerning the availability of time-varying rates (TVR) only after AMI deployment is complete

Notably, CL&P lists TVR "capabilities" as going live in 2033 after AMI deployment is complete (it is unclear if this would limit retail supplier TVRs before such time)

CL&P envisions offering a TVR rate comparison tool to customers, which CL&P said will require one year of customer data to provide an appropriate comparison, thus prompting, in part, the 2033 proposed date for TVR (as not all customers will have 12 months of AMI data until 2032)

Concerning CL&P's TVR offerings, C&L said, "The Company must first implement AMI and gain baseline information and learning on its customers use before the advanced TVR as imagined by Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 16-19f and 16-243n can be implemented. CL&P plans to undertake a TVR review and analysis once AMI meters are deployed and the Company has been able to collect requisite information, consistent with the requirement in § 16-243n(b) that the design of such rates, including the price differential between on-peak and off-peak time-varying rates, shall be consistent with empirical research conducted by the electric distribution company. Until then, existing TVR and any proposed interim TVR options submitted to be compliant with the October 1, 2027, deadline in § 16-243n will be bridge solutions only. Advanced TVR offerings require the functionalities of AMI. Therefore, the Company anticipates that the ultimate AMI meter deployment schedule will dictate the Company’s ability to request approval for advanced TVR offerings for all customers as imagined by Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 16-19f and 16-243n".

CL&P's application only seeks approval of the specific accelerated deployment plan and related functionality decisions for AMI

Cost recovery is being addressed in separate proceedings. CL&P stated, "If PURA exercises its discretion to decline to provide regulatory support for AMI in either [cost recovery] docket, the Company is prepared to undertake a slower, non-accelerated deployment schedule."

Docket 26-07-08 - Accelerated AMI deployment