IPv6 based advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is a complete network and system which can process customers’ electric power consumption information comprehensively. It provides an open and standardized communication infrastructure that supports multiple services and business integration. IPv6 based AMI has been implemented by a number of utilties worldwide in recent years. The AMI implementations in several countries and regions together with their solution architecture and operation models are reviewed in this paper. Then the mainstream technology, IPv6 based communication network and AMI infrastructure are introduced. Finally, the benefits and services for power utilities and customers can be enabled by the IPv6 based AMI are analyzed.