Development of remote meter reading system for distribution automation

The Kansai Electric Company Inc. has not only achieved automatic operation of the distribution systems but is also promoting the development and installation of an advanced comprehensive automatic distribution system that will make it possible to meet the needs of an information-oriented society. This comprehensive automatic distribution system consists of the following three subsystems: distribution line operation automation system; load control automation system; and an automatic customer service system including a remote meter reading system, processing data in response to relocation of business premises and the supply of information. In particular, the remote meter reading system, which is expected to enter full commercial operation soon, will not only reduce labor for meter reading operations but will also improve overall efficiency as part of measures for comprehensive automatic distribution. The meter system will also flexibly cope with the demand for a charging system on a seasonal/time zone basis. The authors give an outline of the system and introduce the equipment of the system