A Seminar Report on

“Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and Blind Meter Reading

(BMR) used by PESCO (WAPDA)’’

Student name: MOHAMMAD SAMI .A. SUTAR USN: 2A21EE010

Guide name: Prof. JAFERBAIG INAMDAR

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, SECAB IET,

Vijayapura

ABSTRACT
The Automatic meter reading and Blind meter reading has been analyzed in this research work. The main focus
is on its cost benefit outcome. In recent past, to reduce power losses different researches are conducted specially
on smart meter reading by WAPDA. Those researches were mostly based on atomization of meters. However,
this research is focused on developing such meters that will work in all weather conditions. The cost analysis is
also kept in mind. A blind meter reading system has been proposed. The outcome of this work is unique idea as
it is compatible with existing automatic metering system as no big changes are needed to be incorporated. It is
focused on the development of new procedure and standard operating procedure only in the form of BMR.

The existing metering system is discussed in detail and its disadvantages are pointed out at the end. The
Automatic Metering system is studied with its financial feasibility and it’s presented that the cost analysis of
AMR is too high and it’s neither advisable nor feasible to switch to AMR system. Then comparative studies are
presented between AMR, Existing meter reading system and BMR.

Despite its advantages, AMR technology faces challenges such as high installation costs, cybersecurity
concerns, and network limitations, particularly in rural and remote areas. Moreover, integration with legacy
infrastructure and data privacy issues continue to be barriers to widespread adoption. Nevertheless, as AMR
continues to evolve, particularly with the incorporation of blockchain technology for data security and smart
grid integration, it is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing utility management, supporting
sustainability, and facilitating the efficient use of resources. The future of AMR is likely to be shaped by

innovations in communication technologies, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, making utility systems
more intelligent, secure, and adaptive.
Introduction:
New technologies incorporation is need of the day. The available engineering techniques are the tools on which
we can develop new communication procedures to get the most optimum and simplified data transfer methods
for power meters billing process that is free from errors and theft. By using this method means that, we do not
require any wire which as a result has high accurateness over a wide range with robustness and consistency.
The deteriorating capability in the process of meter reading system is causing too much problems in the entire
system of billing process of power distribution. The electromechanical meters are so lousy that cannot be used
any more. The power distribution companies need to switch to the modern digital meters with use of modern
communication systems for data transfer. The country is having shortage of Electricity since a decade that has
created a lot of disturbance in our domestic as well as industrial and commercial activities. The one of major
problem is also the theft of Electricity by Domestic as well as Industrial sectors. Due to this shortage and theft
of electricity the country is facing great loss in form of less GDP growth. Different ways are needed to be
explored to fix the crisis and bridge the shortfall of supply and demand of electricity. One aspect of the problem
is to install efficient and correct billing system which is not possible unless we introduce smart and advance
metering system. The country is facing its biggest short fall in Electricity since a decade which is the main
hurdle in the development. This has damaged our industrial and commercial activities severely. We need to
adopt different ways to meet the shortfall of Electricity. This requires a multidimensional approach. We cannot
rely on the development of alternate energy resource only as we need to focus on conserving the existing energy
resources as well..

Literature Survey on Automatic Meter Reading (AMR):

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) refers to technologies that automatically collect data from utility meters
(such as electricity, water, or gas meters) and transmit that information to a central database without the
need for manual intervention. This innovation has transformed utility management by enhancing efficiency,
reducing operational costs, improving billing accuracy, and offering real-time monitoring of consumption. AMR
technology has evolved significantly from traditional manual readings to more advanced, automated systems.
Initially, AMR systems relied on handheld devices that communicated wirelessly with meters. However, as
communication technologies advanced, more sophisticated methods emerged. These include Power Line
Communication (PLC), Radio Frequency (RF) communication, and more recently, wireless systems utilizing
technologies like GSM, GPRS, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and Zigbee. These newer technologies provide better
scalability, longer ranges, and lower energy consumption compared to earlier methods.

The development of IoT-based AMR systems is one of the major breakthroughs, enabling smart meter

networks that offer two-way communication, remote monitoring, and data collection. With the rise of smart
cities and smart grids, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) has gained prominence over AMR. While AMR
is typically one-way (from the meter to the utility), AMI provides bi-directional communication, allowing for
more sophisticated features such as remote control, dynamic pricing, and enhanced customer engagement.
Recent research has increasingly focused on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
algorithms to improve AMR systems. These technologies enable the prediction of consumption patterns,
anomaly detection, and energy theft detection. For example, AI-based systems are being developed to
automatically identify discrepancies in consumption data or to predict future demand, helping utilities
optimize their operations.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:
Energy cost reduction is the main concern of future in power sector. The cost may be reduced by using digital
energy meters, control and monitoring of the energy system and through refining the process of distribution
network of power 978-1-7281-4970-7/20/$31.00 ©2020 IEEE distribution companies.

 The evolvement of Software development

 The cost reduction of different equipment’s and control components.The reduction

in emission intensification and improving energy managementThe
competent/skilled staff Demand increases.

The meter reading system is developed in recent past by incorporation the modern approaches into the system.
The approach of Automatic meter reading (AMR)

Automatic Meter Reading(AMR): System The AMR system is the electronic collection of data
through communication transmission mean from any data collection device as shown in figure 1. This
limits human errors and interference of manual data entry. The data is captured the meterinterface
module forwarded to central computer section through the data concentrator system.
Blind Meter Reading(BMR) System: BMR system is integration of semi automation in the
existing system without spending too much money by replacing the system all together at once. The
system is having digital energy meters that are installed at consumer premises followed by energy
monitoring system as shown in figure
 Fig: Blind Metering Reading (BMR) device

Manufacturer of the meters is Vertex Electronics Pvt Limited. The digital meters have additional feature of
maximum kVarh load at any instant with MDI. The follow up team visits the premises and note the
discrepancies if found. The distribution companies deploy the monitoring team that manage all received data
from field and point out discrepancies in the data and forward the authenticated data. This information is used
to compute the billing cost which includes Fuel Adjustment charge, energy cost and the Taxes.

COST AND BENEFIT ANALSIS OF BMR & AMR SYSTEMS:

The two systems are compared on the basis of benefit cost ratio. The results of both AMR and BMR systems
are calculated and presented in this section.

Blind Meter Reading (BMR) system is based on replacement of the existing faulty Meters with quality digital
energy meters and reducing the cost of energy monitoring system. In the BMR system theft before the meter’s
connection can be removed by clip-on meters that eliminate the loose connections approach. The energy
conservation due to the replacement of sluggish meters and reduction of theft from the system will be of great
benefit. The benefit cost ratio of the system is then calculated and compared with the existing and AMR meter
reading system. The calculations are shown below.
 BMR Cost Analysis :The Cost for BMR is subjected to the cost of replacing existing sluggish
meters with the new digital meters and cost on the monitoring of meter reading process. The clip on
meters will be used to eliminate theft from the system. The data is taken as mentioned.

(a)Single phase meters replacement cost. Number of single phase meters to be replaced Rate of single phase
meter/ per unit cost =2600 = 1900(Rs) Net cost on single phase meters replacement = 49,40,000(Rs)

(b)Three phase meters replacement cost. Number of three phase meters to be replaced Rate of three phase
meter/ per unit cost =550 =6500(Rs) Net cost on three phase meters’ replacement =35,75,000(Rs)

AMR Cost Analysis: = Rs.10,20,000 (Rs) = 95,35,000(Rs) AMR project is implemented with
incorporating cost analysis of the new digital meters, the Lids with boxes as well as covers. These
expenditures will be added with expenditures on hardware, software installation. These all items will be
included as they need to be either replaced or purchased. Incorporating all these expenditures will give us
true figure of benefit cost ratio of automatic meter reading. This ration will be compared to BMR system.

(a)AMR meters replacement cost. Meters to be replaced in numbers Per meter cost Meter replacement cost
=3000 =7500(Rs) =22,500,000(Rs)

(b)Installation cost of meters for AMR system. Meters to be installed in numbers Cost of installation on single
meter Net cost on AMR meters installation =3000 =2800(Rs) =8,400,000(Rs)

Fig: Cost Analysis of AMR and BMR

The optimum ratio of benefit cost is set to be (1) by DESCO’s for Pakistan. The project was presented by
showing the benefit cost ratio, if the benefit cost ratio is less than one the project is not selected for
implementation and it is re-designed and presented again for approval. e benefit cost ratio of both proposed
projects of BMR and AMR. The benefit cost ratio of AMR comes out to be 0.80 which is not suitable for
implementation but on the other hand benefit cost ratio of BMRe benefit cost ratio of both proposed projects of
BMR and AMR. The benefit cost ratio of
AMR comes out to be 0.80 which is not suitable for implementation but on the other hand benefit cost ratio of
BMR

Advantages of AMR (Automatic Meter Reading):

A.Remote Data Collection

 Enables PESCO to collect meter readings without visiting consumer

premises.
 Saves time and reduces labor costs

B.Billing Accuracy

 Minimizes human error in meter reading.

 Ensures accurate, timely, and consistent billing for consumers.

C.Reduced Theft and Losses

 Real-time or scheduled data collection helps identify abnormal usage patterns or tampering.
 Aids in reducing electricity theft and line losses.

4. Enhanced Consumer Transparency

 Consumers can monitor their energy

usage trends.
 Encourages responsible energy
consumption.

5. Faster Complaint Resolution

Provides historical consumption data for resolving billing disputes quickly.

6. Operational Efficiency

Reduces need for manual workforce for meter reading.

Helps with load forecasting and grid management.

FUTURE WORK:

The suggested meter reading system can be expanded in future for larger networks of distribution companies.
The system can be of great use, once the previous data of consumers is available on line. The history of
previous years’ load is available and hence real time decision of energy theft can be reported in the system in
sub-division of DESCO’s. The advancement in the system can be done by introducing Geographical
Information System (GIS) in the system. This will help the location of the client on google earth app. The map
will help to know the exact position of the customer meter which is of great use for planning of the future
electricity load for forecasting and utilization. This will also help to locate the High Tension and Low Tension
network on the map. The GIS will be useful to contain the consumer type, data, consumption details and meter
information.

CONCLUSION:

This work was focused to design and implementation a system of meter reading that can replace the existing
manual meter reading system of DESCO’s with minimum changes in the infrastructure. Despite minimum
changes in infrastructure still the system shall be capable enough to remove flaws and theft from existing
system with low cost model. The Proposed BMR technique is compared in all aspects with that of AMR
approach and results are presented for analysis. The start of work is taken by introducing existing meter reading
system of DESCO’s.

which is proposed and partially installed by USAID in some parts of PESCO distribution network is the
recommended system for our future. Statistics of the Result

 Blind Meter Reading is having 3.25 Benefit Cost Ratio while AMR is having 0.80. This higher ratio of BMR
suggests that this technique of meter reading is best for Pakistan. Hence DESCO’s can switch on to the BMR
phase wise.

 The BMR system is achieving Value of Return in four months while AMR achieves it in sixteen months. The
lesser duration means that the recovery of initial cost is recovered earlier hence BMR is better suitable then
AMR.

 By implementing the BMR system the losses of DESCO’s can be reduced.

 The problem of overbilling will also be removed from system and there is no need of advance unit’s
calculation.
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