Duke metering projects could mean millions for Echelon

Duke Energy Corp., which plans massive smart meter deployments in Ohio and Indiana, has signed up Echelon Corp. to supply the metering equipment.  Although the initial order is for $15.8 million, the total value of the deal for both states could total $150 million for Echelon, according to a Dow Jones Newswire story. Duke has already cleared the necessary regulatory hurdles to deploy 700,000 meters in Ohio, and has similar plans for Indiana.

   Quick Time:  This is a great win for Echelon, but it’s important to remember that it’s not over until it’s over.  Most contracts of this kind include some kind of option that lets the utility change suppliers at a later date. We’ve seen a number of suppliers win lucrative contracts only to get bumped off down the road.

   Newswire story in Wall Street Journal