Smart Metering Is Gaining Traction in France
Smart meters haven't taken off in France yet, while electricity distributors wait for European standards. A consortium of distributors decided to take the lead with open-interface meters that will let them expand capabilities later.
November 13, 2008
As much as we read about the deployment of millions of smart meters in Europe, France is conspicuously absent from those reports. The advantage that has led to deployments in other countries -- having one or two utility companies serving the country -- doesn't seem to have applied to Electricite de France, even though the government has a stake in the company.
Most French electricity distributors have been waiting for EdF subsidiary Electricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF) to set standards for smart meters, according to smart meter vendor Echelon. The integrator ATOS has committed to supply smart meters in 2012 to fulfill ERDF's requirements.
Some distributors got tired of waiting. Last week, a consortium of electricity distributors announced that it has chosen smart metering components to deploy in up to 90,000 homes. The consortium, GAELD, settled on Echelon’s Networked Energy Services System and a meter data management system from Alter Way.
The Echelon open interface and web services-based network operating system allow integration of third-party add-ons that can expand and enhance the functionality of the meters.
"We believe that [NES] will allow us to extend our system based on future needs and offerings we might want to provide to our customers at a later date, such as prepayment, remote reading of both gas and water meters, and in-home services," said Michel Fruchart, managing director for GAELD.
One of the utilities in the consortium is allowing homeowners to sell back solar power. Régie d'électricité de Loos serves a city of about 20,000 people in northwestern France, better known for its healthcare industry than for its than its sunshine. The smart meters will measure the amount of electricity produced separately from the energy consumed. Without smart meters, the details of production versus consumption are lost in net metering. Echelon tells us this will be the first instance of their meter to be used in an alternative energy application in France.
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CORRECTED: The name of Electricite Reseau Distribution France (ERDF) was stated incorrectly.
Comments
Dear Sirs,
Smart Meters are dumb meters. There are serious health risks associated with these so-called smart meters. The World Health Orgainization has already proven that these meters are now the cause of type 2B carcinogens with the UHF readers communicating with the smart meters as people get bathed in a sea of these UHF radio frequencies. If you don't want a stupid dangerous fire risk on you property then refuse to accept a Smart Meter and lock your Electric Meter box and put a sign on the box cover to read thus....." I refuse to have a smart meter installed on my property at any time.. I have locked my electricity meter box so I can keep my older safe and trusty analog electric meter.
I also have a No Tresspass sign on my big gate post and a fine of $167,000.00 Australian Dollars applies to anyone I catch trespassing on my property. I live in Ararat in Victoria Australia.
As the Electric Power Companies say that they own the electric meters and not the householder, You as the householder should charge the Electric Power Companies RENT for your being so decent to allow them to keep the older and trusty Analog the electric meters in your electric meter box. Remember it is you as the Householder who owns your electric meter box and not the Electric Power Company. I will be sending the Power Company that services my area the rent bill today.
Cheers,
Richard Leschen.
Posted by: Richard Leschen | September 14, 2011 02:54 PM