The solutions will be based on open standards and available specifications for smart meter technologies, and will help accelerate the roll out of gas and electricity smart meters in the UK.
Under the initiative, energy suppliers will be able to access a range of smart meters and in-home displays that comply with supplier’s requirements for smart metering specifications, can operate on low-cost GPRS networks, and are upgradeable in the field to accommodate other emerging communication standards.
The three smart meter manufacturers will work to develop and demonstrate a roadmap for interchangeable and interoperable command sets to support smart Home Area Networks (HANs) based on Zigbee’s Smart Energy Profile and Wide Area Networks (WANs) based on DLMS protocols.
The companies will continue to compete in all other aspects of meter production, including cost of supply, capability, reliability and durability.
