It is interesting to me that there is no discussion of how AMI can be utilized within a larger structure of universal access to the grid. The real benefit of AMI is not merely all these customer service focused items listed. Indeed it should also be noted that AMI, as part of the larger smart grid context, is the focal point at which ratepayers can also become generators adding power ONTO the grid.

Obliquely eluded to here in the above paragraph;
"There has also been a near universal acceptance that demand response is essential to mitigating market power and price volatility in competitive wholesale markets. This can reduce the need for new generation capacity, improve reliability, and address climate concerns." Universal access should be part of the discussion too.

Grid stability and reliability is created by widely disbursed generation with many more points of power in-feed to the grid. Lets incorporate the European model of the "plus energy" home or business. If you make grid quality power, you should be able to supply your access to the grid.

Yet another great feature of AMI as it pertains to the wider context of the Smart Grid. But one which is strangely missing.

Thanks