CEA releases guidelines for standardization and interoperability of AMI systems

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued new guidelines aimed at standardizing and ensuring interoperability within Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems. 

The guidelines, titled “Guidelines for Standardization and Interoperability in AMI Systems for End-to-End Communication between Smart Meter, HES and MDM,” focus on creating unified communication protocols for smart meters, Head-End Systems (HES), and Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS).

Key aspects of the guidelines include:

• A unified HES with standardized interfaces for seamless interoperability with different HES makes.
• Support for two options for WAN-connected meters: direct IS-15959 Parts 1, 2, and 3 for application protocol, or through a WAN Adaptor using IEC61968-9.
• Support for RF and other Neighborhood Area Network (NAN) connected meters via a NMS Adaptor, using the IEC61968-9 interface.
• Upstream communication between HES and MDMS through an IEC61968-based API.

These guidelines were developed following a Union power ministry order in June 2024, which highlighted the need for standardization to reduce vendor-specific solutions and improve cross-system communication. The guidelines also address challenges in RF and NBIoT communication technologies.

Access the full report here.