France preps for massive smart meter rollout

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Quick Take: As smart meter sales in North America begin to plateau, will the rest of the world pick up the slack? Signs are positive in France, where the government says it will roll out 35 million meters, starting in 2013 and finishing in 2018.

Itron is the current front runner to win the job since it was part of the original 100,000 meter pilot. And since, in a clever move, it placed some manufacturing facilities in France. Even so, we expect the government to source from more than one company. - By Jesse Berst

The French government, based on the results of a successful pilot program, will deploy 35 million smart meters to electricity customers throughout the country. Itron, the company that provided 100,000 meters and 3,500 concentrators for the pilot, said it is up to the challenge of such a huge installation if selected for the project.

The government's decision to OK the massive rollout of smart meters (referred to there as "Linky" meters) was made Wednesday.

Remy Brill Itron regional VP and managing director for EMEA Energy, said of the decision, "It reflects the fact that France has embarked on an ambitious project of modernization of its electric distribution network, which requires the implementation of smart meters."

The pilot, conducted by ERDF, the largest French distribution system operator, took place in 2010 and 2011. Plans now are to deploy seven million meters between 2013 and 2014, with 28 million more to follow between 2015 and 2018.

Itron has been working toward the massive rollout for some time. As part of the ERDF pilot, Itron invested eight million euros (a hair less than $11 million) in research, development and manufacturing facilities in France.

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