An apparatus for providing automatic metering capabilities to a resource grid is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of existing automatic meter reading (AMR) meters and a plurality of interface devices. Each of the plurality of existing automatic meter reading (AMR) meters is coupled to a resource consumption point, the each is configured to periodically broadcast respective meter readings. Each of the plurality of interface devices is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of existing AMR meters, and each of the plurality of interface devices is configured to receive one or more of the respective meter readings, and is configured to provide the one or more of the respective meter readings over an existing communications infrastructure.