The importance of standardisation

The focus in the current Smart Metering discussion is on the advantages of this technology with respect to changing consumer behaviour. However, this discussion often overlooks the fact that the development of fully operational Smart Metering systems across Europe will also act as a catalyst for other technology advances, such as smart utility grids and smart housing and appliance solutions. In return, Smart Metering solutions will also be influenced by other technological developments in areas such as communications’ infrastructures or radio, powerline and broadband. This means that Europe is on the brink of extensive technological change which not only affects the utility industry.

There are already indications of the types of changes that will affect industries connected with Smart Metering. For example, the latest report of the EU Electra-Initiative concludes that the European Energy Services Directive gives a fresh stimulus for Smart Metering and intelligent power management. This stimulus will become particularly evident when the Directive is implemented by the Member States within their own National Energy Efficiency Plans (NEEAP). Even though estimates of total investment for the roll out of Smart Metering systems throughout the European Union vary from state to state, e.g. the estimate for the UK is between €8-12B, there is enough evidence that, in this area, business opportunities in the EU will increase and that energy efficiency will become a major business driver.

However, an essential requirement for this is the standardisation of the new technologies and systems with manufacturers and users co-operating to enable the effective integration of each individual component.

Therefore, ESMIG members are involved in international standardisation committees such as

  • IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
  • CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization)
  • CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and
  • WELMEC (Western European Legal Metrology Cooperation).


ESMIG’s work here will support the introduction of European standards into each and every Member State and thus help to avoid go-it-alone solutions. Furthermore, the aim is to establish standardised communication protocols and interoperable systems that can be used across national borders, regardless of restrictions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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