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Introduction

Smart metering has evolved from traditional Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and the new technology offers the potential to benefit the entire value chain of energy stakeholders. Nevertheless, although driven by a variety of legislative and commercial factors, success will depend on effective regulation and guidance from governments.

Scope

This brief provides an overview on the state of the smart metering market in Europe and North America Attention is given to drivers behind the growth of the smart metering phenomenon including key legislation that has facilitated it The impact of smart metering in terms of penetration and the impact on reducing carbon emissions is also addressed Research comes from online surveys and interviews with vendors and energy stakeholders

Highlights

Smart metering offers a wide array of functionality above and beyond what traditional AMR metering offers. While there is no consistent definition for smart metering, key capabilities include near-real time metering, 2-way communication and demand-side management options. As a result of the impact on reducing carbon emissions, securing energy supply and high wholesale prices, governments in many countries have introduced legislation to enforce smart metering. However, the commercial benefits means smart metering also appeals to utilities also. Nordics and North America lead the way on smart metering uptake, however mid-term growth across Europe is high. As a result, consumer demand for energy is expected to fall, in turn translating into millions of tonnes of carbon emissions that can be saved.

Reasons to Purchase

Understand the issues surrounding the much talked about subject of smart metering Gain insight into what is driving the smart metering phenomenon including key legislation Discover how smart metering varies in different geographical regions

DATAMONITOR VIEW 1
CATALYST 1
SUMMARY 1
ANALYSIS 2
Smart meters have moved beyond AMR and offer a wide variety of functionality 2
The introduction of solid-state meters led to the expansion of AMR 2
Smart meters offer a wealth of functionality that appeals to multiple stakeholders 2
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) supports the increased functionality of smart metering 4
Residential electricity metering is a priority 5
Legislation is driving implementation but more regulation is needed 6
Smart meter legislation is an important part of the solution to a variety of issues facing governments today 6
Energy Policy Act, 2005 - section 1252 (USA) 8
Energy Conservation Responsibility Act, 2006 (Canada) 8
Energy End Use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive, 2006 - Article 13 (EU) 8
Operational benefits and demand management are also key drivers for other energy stakeholders 8
Further regulation will be necessary to overcome smart metering challenges 10
Avoiding low-cost meters by standardizing assets 10
Ensuring interoperability to avoid 'stranded' assets 10
Regulation and help is on the way 11
Smart metering is expected to have a positive impact on carbon reductions 11
Nordics lead the way but North America is quick on the uptake 11
Evidence suggests that smart metering will help meet government goals 13
APPENDIX 15
Definitions 15
Methodology 15
Further reading 16
Ask the analyst 16
Datamonitor consulting 16
Disclaimer 16
List of Figures
Figure 1: Key functionalities associated with smart metering 3
Figure 2: The benefits of smart metering accrue across the whole value chain 4
Figure 3: A simplified view of Advanced Metering Infrastructure 5
Figure 4: Percentage of smart meters shipped in 2001 6
Figure 5: Drivers facilitating governmental adoption of smart metering legislation 7
Figure 6: Using Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) to help reduce loads at peak times 9
Figure 7: Smart metering penetration in North America and Europe, 2006-2012 12
Figure 8: Case Study: Enel, Italy 13
Figure 9: Reductions in carbon emissions as a result of smart metering introduction 14