The Utility Planning Network, a membership-based peer group of utility professionals worldwide that facilitates the annual Metering Awards Program, has recognized Southern California Edison's (SCE's) AMI Program Phase I as the 2005/2006 Best AMR Initiative by a North American investor-owned utility. This award recognizes SCE's innovative approach to systems engineering, vendor engagement and external engagement with the industry that provided a catalyst in the marketplace for the next generation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems. IBM and EnerNex were the primary consultants on the AMI project, and KEMA also served as a consultant.

The panel of judges that recognized SCE were from PPL, National Grid, Gaz Metro (Canada), Austin Energy, Portland General Electric and Connecticut Light & Power. The Utility Planning Network, in association with the Automatic Meter Reader Association (AMRA), organizes the annual awards. SCE's AMI team will be honored along with other winners at AMRA's Autovation 2006: The AMRA International Symposium, set to take place Oct. 22-25 in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.