Background
Smart meters are playing a critical role in shaping the electric grids of tomorrow and enabling the integration of new, grid-related technologies. As the power grid evolves into a broad platform for integrating new energy services and technologies, the ability to connect legacy assets to systems and integrate new ones is critical. Smart meters are supporting this evolution. In addition, the data collected by smart meters (or Smart Metering Infrastructure (SMI)) opens the door for greater integration of new resources and new energy services for customers. The utilities transformation will eventually take Business As Usual (BAU) internal processes into more digitized event-driven processes, which will be governed by connected Grid sensors, digitally connected In Home Devices (IHD), and smart meters.
The following diagram illustrates how regulatory push and cost pressures could transform the electric utilities of today into the digital utilities of tomorrow: