Smart Meters for Smart Grids

Smart Meters, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Home Area Networks (HAN), and Distribution Automation (DA) Technologies

Massive regulatory effort and business investment is currently underway around the world to upgrade various countries’ electrical grids with significant new capabilities, specifically in the areas of increased network communications, remote and automated management of network elements in the field, and new power management functionality, e.g. distributed generation and power storage, including support for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Certainly, a key aspect of this upgrade to a "smart grid" is the deployment of millions of new "smart meters" by utilities around the globe, but particularly in North America, Europe, and certain countries in the Asia-Pacific region, most notably Australia. It is important to keep in mind, though, that distribution automation (DA), and home area networking/demand response (HAN/DR) are also key aspects of the evolving smart grid.

This study examines the market for smart grid technology with a strong focus on the deployment of smart electricity meters and the various technological and topological choices to connect these smart meters to the utilities’ head-end systems. Key market adoption drivers and challenges are discussed, value chain and competitive landscape issues are analyzed, regional trends are outlined, and particular attention is given to the key regulatory and legislative activity occurring in support of smart grid development. In addition, the standards and technologies associated with the smart grid are extensively discussed. Importantly, highly granular five-year forecasts are provided for both smart metering and the communication technology options used to connect smart meters. Finally, profiles are provided for a wide range of select players in the smart grid value chain. ABI Research estimates that the total installed base of smart electricity meters, capable of two-way communications, will rise from roughly 76 million smart meters in 2009 to approximately 212 million smart meters by 2015.

What Questions Does This Report Answer?

  • What is the current size and expected growth of the smart meter market worldwide and by region?
  • What trends are occurring with the neighborhood area communications technologies that will be used in conjunction with smart meters?
  • What trends are occurring with the wide area communications technologies that will be used in conjunction with smart meters?
  • What are the key drivers and challenges to smart metering market adoption?
  • What are the key drivers and challenges to fixed RF adoption in smart metering?
  • What are the key drivers and challenges to powerline adoption in the smart metering market?
  • What are the key drivers and challenges to cellular technologies in smart metering?
  • What trends are occurring in the value chain for smart metering technology?
  • What is the impact of government regulation/legislation on smart metering adoption?

Who Needs This Report?

  • Meter vendors and smart grid/smart meter technology vendors
  • Utilities thinking of deploying smart grid and smart metering infrastructure
  • Cellular M2M module vendors
  • IEEE 802.15.4 IC vendors
  • Powerline technology vendors
  • Cellular operators, M2M MVNOs, and M2M Mobile Operators
  • Vendors seeking to develop products and technology for Home Area Networks (HANs)
  • Stock analysis firms
  • Venture capital firms
  • Consultants advising clients in the smart grid, smart metering, semiconductor, and cellular communications markets

Table of Contents

Executive Summary: Top-Line Forecast
Executive Summary: Drivers
Executive Summary: Inhibitors
Executive Summary: Market Share
Executive Summary: Summary and Strategic Recommendations

Section 1.
Executive Summary
1.1. Making the Electrical Grid "Smart"
1.2. The Evolving Smart Grid Value Chain/Competitive Landscape
1.3. Forecasting the Smart Grid

Section 2.
Market Issues
2.1. Introduction to the Smart Grid
2.1.1. The Market Landscape
2.1.2. The Benefits of a Smart Grid
2.1.3. Smart Grid Market Drivers
2.1.4. Smart Grid Market Challenges
2.2. Value Chain and Competitive Landscape Trends
2.2.1. Utility Landscape
2.2.2. Smart Meter and AMI Technology Vendors
2.2.3. HAN/DR Vendors
2.2.4. Smart Grid Communication Services Providers
2.3. Regional Trends
2.3.1. North America
2.3.2. Europe
2.3.3. Asia-Pacific
2.3.4. Latin America
2.3.5. Middle East and Africa
2.4. Legislative and Regulatory Impact Analysis
2.4.1. North America
2.4.2. Europe

Section 3.
Technology Issues
3.1. The Drive towards a Smart Grid
3.2. Key Smart Grid Standardization Efforts
3.2.1. International Standards
3.2.2. Government Mandates
3.2.3. Utility-specific Efforts
3.3. Cyber Security for the Smart Grid
3.4. Wide Area Networking in the Smart Grid
3.4.1. US Market Landscape
3.4.2. International Market Landscape
3.5. The Impact of the Shift to 3G Cellular Infrastructure on the Smart Meter
3.5.1. Concerns Regarding 2G Network Longevity
3.5.2. Reasons for and against the Shift to 3G in Smart Grid Communications
3.6. Distribution Automation Issues
3.7. Neighborhood Area Networks
3.7.1. Power Line Communications in Smart Metering
3.7.2. Fixed RF in Smart Metering
3.8. Home Area Networks and "No-New-Wire" Communication Technologies
3.8.1. ZigBee Smart Energy
3.8.2. HomePlug Green PHY
3.8.3. Z-Wave Advanced Energy Control Framework
3.8.4. 6loWPAN
3.8.5. Wireless M-Bus
3.8.6. EnOcean
3.8.7. LonWorks ISI
3.8.8. INSTEON
3.8.9. KNX
3.9. U-SNAP and the Universal Metering Interface

Section 4.
Market Forecasts
4.1. Forecast Methodology
4.2. Smart Meter Forecasts
4.3. Smart Meter NAN Connectivity Forecasts
4.4. Smart Meter WAN Connectivity Forecasts
4.5. Smart Meter Cellular Connection Forecasts
4.6. Smart Meter Cellular Embedded Module Forecasts

Section 5.
Select Industry Players
5.1. Meter and Smart Metering Technology Vendors
5.1.1. CalAmp
5.1.2. Echelon Corporation
5.1.3. Eka Systems Inc
5.1.4. Elster Integrated Solutions
5.1.5. ESCO Technologies Inc
5.1.6. GE Energy
5.1.7. Grid Net
5.1.8. GridPoint
5.1.9. Holley Metering Ltd
5.1.10. Itron Inc
5.1.11. Landis+Gyr
5.1.12. Maestro Wireless Solutions (Fargo Telecom Group)
5.1.13. Silver Spring Networks
5.1.14. SmartSynch
5.1.15. Telenor Cinclus
5.1.16. Trilliant Networks
5.2. Connectivity Service Providers
5.2.1. Aeris Communications
5.2.2. AT&T Corporation
5.2.3. CrossBridge Solutions
5.2.4. Jasper Wireless
5.2.5. KORE Telematics
5.2.6. Mach Communications
5.2.7. NTT DoCoMo
5.2.8. Numerex Corporation
5.2.9. Orange Business Services
5.2.10. Rogers Communications Inc
5.2.11. Sprint
5.2.12. Swisscom
5.2.13. Telefonica O2
5.2.14. Telenor Group
5.2.15. TELUS
5.2.16. Verizon Wireless
5.2.17. T-Mobile USA
5.2.18. Vodafone Group Public Ltd Co
5.2.19. Wyless PLC
5.3. Module Vendors
5.3.1. AnyDATA
5.3.2. Cinterion Wireless Modules
5.3.3. Enfora
5.3.4. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
5.3.5. iWOW Technology
5.3.6. Motorola M2M Wireless Modules
5.3.7. Sierra Wireless
5.3.8. SIMCom Wireless Solutions
5.3.9. Telit Communications
5.4. Other Key Smart Metering Players
5.4.1. 4Home Inc
5.4.2. AlertMe
5.4.3. Ambient Devices
5.4.4. Arcadian Networks Inc
5.4.5. Blue Line Innovations Inc
5.4.6. Control4
5.4.7. Current Cost
5.4.8. Coronis Systems, an Elster Group Company
5.4.9. CURRENT Group
5.4.10. ecobee Inc
5.4.11. Ember Corporation
5.4.12. eMeter Inc
5.4.13. Energate Inc
5.4.14. EnergyHub Inc
5.4.15. EnerNOC Inc
5.4.16. EnOcean Alliance
5.4.17. Exceptional Innovation LLC
5.4.18. Freescale Semiconductor
5.4.19. Google
5.4.20. GreenWare
5.4.21. GridWise Alliance Inc
5.4.22. HomePlug Powerline Alliance
5.4.23. iControl Networks Inc
5.4.24. Intamac Systems
5.4.25. Lagotek Corporation
5.4.26. Microsoft Corporation
5.4.27. OpenPeak Inc
5.4.28. Pacific Gas and Electric Company
5.4.29. Portus Singapore Pte Ltd
5.4.30. PowerHouse Dynamics llc
5.4.31. RWE AG
5.4.32. Sequentric Energy Systems LLC
5.4.33. Tendril Networks
5.4.34. uControl Inc
5.4.35. Xanboo Inc
5.4.36. ZigBee Alliance
5.4.37. Z-Wave Alliance

Section 6.
Company Directory

Section 7.
Acronyms
Scope of Study
Sources and Methodology
Notes





Tables
  • Smart Meter Communication Technology Cumulative Shipments by Technology Type, Latin America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Communication Technology Cumulative Shipments by Technology Type, Middle East & Africa, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Concentrator Communication Technology Cumulative Shipments by Technology Type, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Concentrator Communication Technology Cumulative Shipments by Technology Type, North America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Concentrator Communication Technology Cumulative Shipments by Technology Type, Europe, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Concentrator Communication Technology Cumulative Shipments by Technology Type, Asia-Pacific, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Concentrator Communication Technology Cumulative Shipments by Technology Type, Latin America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Concentrator Communication Technology Cumulative Shipments by Technology Type, Middle East & Africa, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Cellular Connectivity Revenue by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Cellular Connectivity Revenue by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Air Standard, North America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connectivity Revenue by Air Standard, North America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Air Standard, Europe, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connectivity Revenue by Air Standard, Europe, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Air Standard, Asia-Pacific, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connectivity Revenue by Air Standard, Asia-Pacific, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Air Standard, Latin America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connectivity Revenue by Air Standard, Latin America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Air Standard, Middle East & Africa, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connectivity Revenue by Air Standard, Middle East & Africa, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Air Standard, North America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Air Standard, North America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Air Standard, Europe, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Air Standard, Europe, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Air Standard, Asia-Pacific, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Air Standard, Asia-Pacific, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Air Standard, Latin America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Air Standard, Latin America, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Air Standard, Middle East & Africa, Forecast: 2007 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Air Standard, Middle East & Africa, Forecast: 2007 to 2015

Charts
  • Total Smart Meter Installed Base by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Total Meter and Smart Meter Installed Base, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Installed Base by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter NAN Communications Technology Installed Base by Type, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter WAN Communications Technology Installed Base by Type, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connection Revenue by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connection Revenue by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Installed Base by Region World Market, Forecast: 2008 - 2015
  • Module Vendor Unit Shipment Market Share for 2008
  • Total Smart Meter Installed Base by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Total Meter and Smart Meter Installed Base, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Total Smart Meter Installed Base by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter NAN Communications Technology Installed Base by Type, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter WAN Communications Technology Installed Base by Type, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connection Revenue by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connections by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Connection Revenue by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Air Standard, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Shipments by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015
  • Smart Meter Cellular Module Revenue by Region, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2015

Figures
  • Utility/Smart Grid Value Chain
  • Infrastructure Elements and Technology Segments Comprising the Smart Grid
  • Utility/Smart Grid Value Chain
  • Meter Vendor and AMI Technology Vendor Convergence on the Smart Meter Market
  • Vendor Segments Active in the HAN/DR and HEMS Markets
  • Tendril's TREE Platform as an Illustration of the Central Platform Concept