AS 4141.1-1995

Specifies the architecture and levels of functionality for an electronic system of 2-way information exchange between utilities (e.g. electricity, gas, water) and their customers for activities such as remote reading, customer display of consumption and related matters, load control, relaying of alarms, and other customer services.

This Standard specifies the communications architecture and functionality for customer/utility information exchange (CUIE) for a utility, a combined utility, or a group of utilities. It defines the interfaces and protocols that will enable a two-way metering, control and monitoring system to be implemented, with equipment from a variety of manufacturers, providing the maximum degree of compatibility but without stifling innovation and technological development. Most facilities mentioned in this Standard entail wide area two-way communications.This Standard specifies the type and quantity of information that may be required to be transmitted across the communications network for present and future systems particularly in relation to the following aspects:(a) Remote reading of customer electricity, gas and water meters.(b) Remote setting of tariffs at the customer premises equipment (CPE).(c) Remote control of some or all of the customer load/supply.(d) Remote monitoring of quality of service provided to the customer.(e) Display of information including electricity, gas and water bills, tariffs and quantities at the customer premises, and provision of other customer service facilities such as remote supply connect/disconnect.(f) Provision of appropriate alarm and status information.(g) Transmission of messages between a service provider and the customer for value added services (VAS).(h) Limited distribution system automation (DSA) not provided by high performance supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.This Standard is not intended to limit the flexibility available to a utility in its choice of media. For example, combinations of the following media may be used to suit various applications and performance requirements (the listing is not exhaustive):(i) Distribution line carrier (DLC).(ii) Power line carrier (PLC).(iii) Mains signalling.(iv) Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).(v) Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).(vi) Radio.(vii) Satellite.(viii) Cable television.(ix) Optical fibre.This Standard does not cover the realization for the metering and control devices, hand-held unit or home automation bus at the customer premises, nor the realization for the operating/control equipment in DSA applications.

First published as AS 4141.1(Int)-1993.
Revised and designated AS 4141.1-1995.