Smart energy meter is a software-based, power efficient device that accurately tracks the energy consumption. Meter readings can be transmitted to distributors/utilities over wireless media; thus, eliminating the need of manual meter reading collection process. The Smart energy meter offers major benefits to both customers and companies in terms of efficiency, reliability, and cost saving.
The Smart meter technology is designed to show the exact use of energy; allowing them to curb its use, save money, and cut carbon emissions. These meters provide a wide range of advanced features. Such features include the ability to detect service outage, unauthorized use of electricity and change the maximum amount of electricity that a customer can demand. Further, they help in remotely changing the meter's billing plan from credit to pre-paid, as well as from flat-rate to multi-tariff.
In France, the installations of Smart energy meters are expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The French government and utilities are undertaking several pilot projects in order to assess the operations, technical concerns and others issues regarding the full scale implementation of Smart energy meters. A pilot project is currently underway, which will deploy 300,000 meters in residential areas across two different regions in France.
The report by TechNavio Insights forecasts the size of the smart energy meters market in France over the period 2009-2013. Further, it discusses the key market trends, drivers and challenges of the smart energy meters market in France and profiles some of the key vendors of this industry.