Recognizing the benefits afforded by advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology and the data it generates, electric utilities have been increasingly implementing AMI systems throughout the grid as they work to transform and enhance utility operations and customer service. But as the pace of AMI innovation accelerates, utilities are faced with new challenges regarding how to expand their ability to leverage new AMI investments. Historically, utilities would install a new AMR or early generation AMI system, operate it for 15 years, and then replace it in a wholesale manner. But today, we’re seeing some utilities replace this approach with a “continuous investment” paradigm. As a result, wholesale replacement is no longer the only path to consider and often.