Landis+Gyr Welcomes Definitive Mandate for Smart Metering across Europe

Zug, Switzerland: Landis+Gyr welcomes two European Parliament votes that ensure smart metering will play a lead role in enabling the European Union to meet its ambitious environmental and energy efficiency goals.

Last week the full Parliament reached agreement on the EU Energy Package, including a definitive mandate for the roll-out of smart meters in all EU Member States by 2022, with 80% coverage to be achieved by 2020.

In addition, the Parliament heard a first reading of the Energy Efficiency of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and voted to further expedite smart meter deployment in Member States by requiring that all new buildings and those undergoing renovation be equipped with smart meters. This provision will take effect when the Directive is transposed into national law, possibly as early as 2012.

Ad van der Meys, Executive Vice President EMEA at Landis+Gyr, said: “It has been a hugely positive week as smart metering gains political momentum in Europe. The European Parliament has recognised smart metering as a key enabling technology. Only through its mandatory deployment across Member States will the EU be able to meet its 20-20-20 goals."

“What’s more, well in advance of 2020, the EPBD should begin the installation process in new builds and renovations. This is a significant development and one which is to be applauded."

“Member States must now consider how they are going to put these binding words into action. They can draw encouragement from a growing pool of pioneering smart meter projects which are delivering tangible benefits in the here and now, from 30 million meters across Italy to EDF’s trials in France which should lead to the deployment of 35 million meters.”

With significant technological progress and encouragement from lawmakers and regulators, smart metering is expected to revolutionise energy management and grid reliability across the globe. Smart metering solutions provide utilities with a two-way flow of data required to manage energy use, efficiency and demand response and network protection. Consumers benefit from lower energy costs, and, crucially, a reduced carbon footprint.