At GreyStone Power, the AMI Specialist has a critical role that proactively monitors and manages the daily operations of GreyStone’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), including all hardware, software, & applications, and is responsible for the implementation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all AMI systems.
This role is responsible for monitoring and managing the daily operations of GreyStone’s AMI System, including regular system “health” checks on all AMI hardware and software. Additionally, the role is responsible for troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving all AMI network problems, errors, and inefficiencies; and coordinating with internal and external resources as needed. The specialist is expected to ensure the system’s integrity, functionality, and interoperability with other systems, as well as data integrity.
The Specialist will monitor the AMI System for alerts regarding individual meters, investigate alerts as necessary both from the office and in the field, and provide data to Field Services or Meter/Apparatus personnel when maintenance, a meter exchange, or more extensive field work is required. Additionally, the Specialist will analyze AMI data for possible indications of Distribution System faults or needed maintenance and will relay information to the appropriate departments for additional investigation.
The Specialist works daily in three critical systems and is expected to be proficient in their use. These include: GreyStone’s CIS System (SEDC/UPN), the Work Order Management System (Flex), and the Sensus Regional Network Interface (RNI).
CIS (SEDC/UPN): GreyStone’s Customer Information System (CIS), where all member information is stored and utilized for Billing purposes, and to track the history of GreyStone’s interaction with the member.
Work Order Management System (Flex): GreyStone’s Work Order Management system, where all field service activities are assigned, monitored, and completed. This includes all meter installs, connects, disconnects, exchanges, reads, and service work for the member/consumer.
AMI (Sensus RNI): GreyStone’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure command & control application.
General
Responsible for the planning, development and deployment of AMI systems, including meters, communication devices, and data management software.
Configures AMI devices and ensure that meters are programmed correctly to collect and transmit data reliably.
Coordinate with the Supervisor of Metering & Apparatus to ensure that routine inspections of all AMI related equipment are performed, to identify and resolve issues, optimize system performance, and ensure data integrity.
Collaborate with AMI vendors to resolve technical issues, coordinate software and firmware updates, and manage hardware replacements or upgrades on the AMI system.
Coordinates with Manager of Technical Services, and the Supervisor of Field Services and AMI, to set and track budget for AMI system maintenance.
Become and remain a Subject Matter Expert on any AMI system or component utilized by GreyStone Power.
Develop training materials and provide training for staff on AMI systems. Document processes, procedures, and system configurations.
Facilitate basic AMI education and training for all AMI system users
Monitor usage of AMI hardware to determine the appropriate level of inventory required.
Effectively communicate all AMI issues to all involved or affected departments throughout the cooperative.
Work with Billing to maximize the use of the AMI System for all rate classes, and all metering options.
Conduct regular reviews to ensure that demand meters are being reset at the proper intervals and that the proper demand reads are used for billing demand accounts.
Identify any areas for improvement within the AMI system and communicate suggestions to the Supervisor of Field Services and AMI, and the Manager of Technical Services.
AMI (Sensus):
Manage AMI user access for all employees at GreyStone Power.
Monitor the AMI network via the Sensus RNI dashboards and troubleshoot issues with meters, routers, and Base Stations. Coordinate with other personnel and vendors as needed to resolve issues requiring hardware repair or replacement.
Register & Interval Read Performance: Monitor register & interval read performance to determine if the health of the AMI system is sufficient to support the stated goals of healthy, normal deployed endpoints. Troubleshoot and address issues.
Two-way Transaction Success: Monitor the two-way transaction success to ensure the system is performing optimally in relation to command-and-control functions. Two-way transactions include but are not limited to Demand Resets, On Demand Reads, Service Connects and Disconnects, both system and user initiated.
Events and Errors: Monitor events & errors and alarms in the Sensus RNI to ensure that key functions within the applications are performing as expected. Coordinate with Sensus to address any failures or trends that might have a critical impact on the network.
Daily Operations:
Track Read percentage & Transaction Success
Investigate & troubleshoot meters that are not logging for 2+ days
Investigate and troubleshoot meters that have a status other than Normal.
Monitors all meters and communication equipment for alerts and alarms to ensure the health and reliability of the AMI system.
Utilize field tools, such as Spotlight, to investigate and analyze meter or network device failures.
Maximize number of successful transactions (system & user initiated) completed via AMI daily.
Review metering information to identify possible theft or tampering situations.
Analyzes metering data to support operational efficiency, billing accuracy, and member service improvements.
Compile metrics and statistics that relate to the performance of the AMI system.
Ensure AMI alerts are properly monitored, prioritized, and communicated to appropriate GreyStone personnel.
Ensure the AMI Data Analytics software is functioning as intended and coordinate with other departments to determine what meter data may be useful in their efforts and ensure they have access and understand how to use the Data Analytics software.
Ensure all AMI systems are available to be fully utilized in the data gathering capabilities, including interval usage data, system voltage information (Voltage Insight), system load information (Load Insight), and any other data useful to the Cooperative. Responsible for the various systems’ availability, not the End User’s utilization of the systems.
Work Order Management System (Flex):
Manage orders created for Meter Investigations, Meter Maintenance, and Meter Changes for the AMI System.
Dispatch service orders relating to AMI issues or updates to Field Services and Meter Apparatus personnel.
Complete Investigation and Maintenance service orders in Flex when field visits are necessary.
Troubleshooting and provisioning meters
Locating meters where we have no location history.
Customer Information System (SEDC/UPN):
Identify meter issues and generate Field Service orders when issues cannot be resolved from the office.
Identify AMI hardware or system issues and generate an Apparatus work order when the issue cannot be resolved from the office.
Update meter files, location files, and guide notes.
Add member separator, location, and meter notes when applicable.
Upload new meter inventory.
Works in conjunction with the WINSCP application.
Runs Open Service Order report to help identify meters with no location information in the RNI.
Update Prepay control file when issues are found with AMI communication.
Monitor meter data in MDMS and investigate any discrepancies
Research locations and jobs in Work Management
Required: High School graduate or equivalent
Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
Required: Minimum five years’ progressive experience with an electrical utility or utility contractor in Field Services, Metering, Apparatus, Member Services, Billing, or other AMI related work.
Required: Basic knowledge of AMI infrastructure and operations.
Able to self-start and prioritize daily work with limited direct supervision, while remaining accountable for required work.
Proven problem-solving ability and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as the GreyStone CIS and other related software
Must have or develop good presentation skills to present AMI related data to interested parties within the cooperative.
Excellent interpersonal skills for interaction with system users, staff, and vendors.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information as needed.
Basic knowledge of electricity, meter construction and operations, and AMI Systems, including all dashboards and field diagnostic tools.
Ability to accurately perform multiple duties and persevere when obstacles are present.
Requires knowledge of GreyStone Power's service area and mapping system.
Ability to perform fieldwork, as necessary.
Must be able to use and/or wear necessary safety equipment or apparel as required for field operations.
Knowledge of GreyStone service orders, collection processes, and investigation process.
Knowledge of all safety requirements, guidelines, rules, and regulations.
Requires a valid Georgia driver’s license.
Must satisfactorily pass GreyStone’s employment physical and drug screens.
Physical Demands
General office environment subject to frequent interruptions with radio, emails, and telephone response requests simultaneously.
Outside work is required to help inspect and troubleshoot AMI equipment & meters; sometimes in bad weather, in daylight and dark.
Ability to safely drive a vehicle for significant lengths of time, and in inclement weather.
Mobility inside and outside of office is required.
Extensive use of computers and hand-held devices.
Occasionally required to work overtime or hours other than 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and to remain “on-call” as needed.
May require significant walking, on pavement or uneven ground.
Must have ability to adjust to changes in the daily work plan reacting quickly to new and often high priority instructions requiring immediate action.
Must be available to work after-hours during emergency restoration.
