The biggest challenge of smart metering is mainly from the word “smart”. It is not just a simple combination of instruments, sensors, and communication systems that can be grouped into an intelligent system. Intelligence is mainly reflected in the fact that, through the application of some software systems, the measurement data of the public sector can be well collected and managed.

An intelligent system, its task is not just to identify faults. In the event that customer communications are cut off, it should be able to notify customers in a timely manner and have the ability to automatically handle failures. It can assess all areas that have suffered power outages and look for other optimal paths to transfer energy, thereby reducing the scope of the impact. It should also be able to determine the exact location of the faulty equipment and report detailed information to service personnel. The new intelligent system will also try to inform maintenance personnel what tools should be brought in. At the same time, if the maintenance department does not have the matching tools required, it can also automatically communicate with suppliers or other business units.

Judging from the current situation, in the next decade, developed countries will gradually promote smart metering projects, and in major cities in developing countries, such projects will also be launched one after another.

In April this year, the European Commission issued a smart metering installation plan covering electricity, gas, water, and heat metering. Among them, smart meters will have to complete 80% of the installation by 2020 and complete the smart meter in 2022. installation. Compared with the European Commission’s plan, many European countries have already established more urgent time schedules.

It is estimated that 2 billion smart energy meters will be installed worldwide, of which 150 million will be from the United States, 300 million from Europe, 350 million from China, and a few smart meters in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will need to be installed; in addition to these countries, In other countries, a total of 1.2 billion smart energy meters will need to be installed. Although these countries have not yet listed specific installation plans, this does not prevent the development of the smart metering trend.

At present, the United States is working hard to prepare a revised version of the "Kyoto Protocol." This revised "Kyoto Protocol" will receive wide support from the United Nations. Because the replacement of power generation methods will greatly reduce the emission of carbon dioxide, many countries are thinking about the power generation process. Monitoring electricity consumption through smart meters is the way to change this situation.

Smart metering is a huge global emerging industry. It not only drives the development of metrology industry, but also may stimulate the development of mobile phone and Internet industry. The implementation of smart metering is an opportunity for the development of related industries in the country. It will bring tremendous business opportunities to the smart metering industry.