Guidehouse Research Explores How AMI and AI Tools Create Advanced Residential Electricity Rate Designs

Combination of smart meter data and AI-enabled software can help facilitate the design of new, complex rate structures

BOULDER, Colo., July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from Guidehouse Research explores how utility companies can leverage new technologies such as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and artificial intelligence (AI).

The structure for residential electricity rates has not changed in generations though other aspects of the energy market have evolved profoundly. People can store and generate power, and expect to sell their surplus to the local grid—though they do not always appreciate how their choices affect grid stability. At the same time, regulators are confronting social issues through a variety of rate plan programs. According to a new report from Guidehouse Research, wireless technology has become ubiquitous, with smart meters and consumers with smartphones monitoring power use. However, despite rate plan revolutions, the only innovation that has gained traction is time-of-use rates.

"In recent years, computing capacity and AI increased their ability to discern usage patterns accurately," says Pritil Gunjan, director with Guidehouse Research. "While some of these involve refinements of existing popular programs and structure, others are new ideas that may surprise some stakeholders. The report's intent is to challenge established billing methods and look at novel and potentially revolutionary options."

According to the report, Guidehouse Research recommends that utility companies:

• Leverage disaggregated energy usage data for customer segmentation and tailored development of complex rate structures.
• Create new complex rate frameworks that address a broad variety of customer types (e.g., low to-moderate income, EV owners, and so forth).
• Leverage AI-based software to educate and inform customers about new rate plans and associated benefit streams.

The report, Using AMI and AI Tools to Create Advanced Residential Electricity Rate Designs, looks at how new technologies can lead to better outcomes through lower prices, new services that ensure fairer allocation of costs, higher resiliency, better service for vulnerable populations, improved revenue collections, and access to new revenue sources. An executive summary of the report is available for free download on the Guidehouse Research website.

About Guidehouse Research

Guidehouse Research, the dedicated market intelligence arm of Guidehouse, provides research, data, and benchmarking services for today's rapidly changing and highly regulated industries. Our insights are built on in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team's research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research, and demand assessment, paired with a deep examination of technology trends, to provide a comprehensive view of emerging resilient infrastructure systems. Additional information about Guidehouse Research can be found at guidehouseresearch.com.

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is a global advisory, technology, and managed services firm delivering value to commercial businesses and federal, state, and local governments. Purpose-built to serve industries focused on communities, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, defense, and national security, Guidehouse positions clients for AI- and data-led innovation, efficiency, and resilience. With a relentless pursuit of client success and high-quality standards, more than 18,000 colleagues collaborate across the firm to outwit complexity and achieve transformational impact, shaping the future by inspiring meaning in mission. guidehouse.com

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, Using AMI and AI Tools to Create Advanced Residential Electricity Rate Designs, is a summary and reflects the current expectations of Guidehouse Research based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report's conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Guidehouse Research nor Guidehouse undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

For more information, contact:

Cecile Fradkin for Guidehouse Research
+1.646.941.9139
[email protected] 

SOURCE Guidehouse Research