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Fitch Ratings predicts smart meters will take on a larger role in federal and state regulatory (and political) policy making, retail rate design and systems reliability standards. The reason, according to a report released today, is that ARRA stimulus grants and awards revved up investment in smart meter technology to the point that the number of deployed meters grew 53%: from 45.9 million in 2008 to 70.4 million in 2010.

 

Fitch says advanced meter infrastructure smart meter deployments are responsible for the growth and that they have been responsible for 64% of new meters installed during that period. The company attributed the growth to the greater load management capabilities of the meters during peak demand periods. Smart meters also allow utilities to cut operating costs with automated meter reading, set up new service connections or disconnections, improve security and safety, and deliver quick response to natural gas leaks and service interruptions, as well as give customers tools for energy use management.

 

The result? A compound annual growth rate of 109% as smart meter deployments more than doubled every year through 2010.

Next page: Prepaid meters on the rise too >>

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