Hybrid System Automatic Meter Reading

Basically, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) as the power utility company in Malaysia have two
methods to take the metering data from their customers. For their ordinary customers (OPC, Ordinary Power
Customer), they used conventional method, by sending meter-readers on monthly basis to do meter reading
from meters installed at their customers premises. For large or industrial customers (LPC, Large Power
Customer), they used GSM-based Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology. So GSM module is attached
to each LPC’s meter, and data reading can be done automatically without visiting their customer’s sites. For
OPC customers, conventional method is facing some issues that need to be improved. In this paper we
described the propose hybrid Automated Metering Reading (AMR) system which is a combination of ZigBee
and GSM technology. In this propose system ZigBee module will be attached to the meter by using interface
board and the data collector will be connected to the central computer by using GSM. The system is suitable
with Malaysian condition which already implemented GSM-based AMR in LPC. With this system TNB can
save cost in doing meter reading and provide better services to their customers.