But a few recent announcements got us to thinking about how far the industry has come in the last decade:

·         Silver Spring Networks reminds us that it is celebrating its 10^th year in business this month, and what a run it's been. Founded in 2002, today the Silicon Valley company is a recognized industry leader and innovator. It has more than 550 employees globally and more than more than 11 million homes and businesses around the world are networked on its Smart Energy Platform.

·         PG&E – another pioneer from the Golden State – announced earlier this month that it had installed its 9 millionth smart meter. Sure there have been rough patches along the way, but that's a milestone nonetheless.

·         Itron, meanwhile, proves that you don't have to be from California to make inroads. The metering company headquartered in Liberty Lake, Washington just announced the grand opening of its manufacturing facility in Suzhou Industrial Park, China. The factory supports three major product lines: residential water meters, industrial water meters and residential heat meters, supplying both Chinese and global markets.