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US Smart Meter Market Analysis

The United States smart meter market was expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% for the forecast period (2022-2027). Implementation of different government regulations mandating the installation of smart meters and increased investments in smart grid technology, coupled with growing consumer awareness about the benefits of installing smart meters, are the major factors fuelling the market growth.

• As utilities seek more efficient, reliable, and secure ways to manage energy generation, transmission, and distribution, the smart grid has emerged as an effective approach to aligning the supply of energy in a given market with demand while reducing waste. The smart meter is one of the most important devices used in the smart grid and has two-way communication capability between electric utilities and customers. In recent years, increasing investments in smart grid projects along with different government policies, particularly mandates and fiscal incentives, are among the key drivers of market adoption of smart meters in the United States.
• For instance, in September 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it would invest USD 464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure and help rural communities, agricultural producers, and businesses lower energy costs in 48 states and Puerto Rico. The USDA financed USD 335 million of these investments through the Electric Loan Program, including USD 102 million for investments in smart grid technology.
• Further, consumer demand for smart and green services continues to grow and they are now seeking personalized services that enable them to optimize usage and reduce bills. Through smart meter data, utilities are able to help customers reduce energy costs, which is another factor driving the growth of the market.
• At the start of the Covid-19, the primary impact faced by many smart meter manufacturers was supply problems, owing to halted production. Moreover, owing to lockdown measures, demand for residential, commercial, and industrial use of smart meters also decreased. However, with the ease of the pandemic-related lockdowns, manufacturing and supply of smart meters are returning to normal levels, with many manufacturers starting to witness a recovery in sales.
• However, the initial investment involved in setting up smart meter infrastructure is usually much higher as compared to traditional meters, and it also takes a longer time to achieve high returns on investments. The requirement for huge capital poses a significant challenge to both energy consumers and utility providers, which acts as a market restraint.

US Smart Meter Industry Segmentation

A smart meter is a digital device that utilizes two-way communication to connect utilities and consumers and support demand response and distributed generation. The device obtains information from the end users' load devices and measures the energy consumption of the consumers, and then provides added information to the utility company. In addition to reporting the energy usage of the consumer, the smart meters can also inform the utility immediately if there is a power outage in the consumer's area.