With all the focus on Stimulus Bill funding for smart meters in the United States, there has been less attention on Europe and its as-grand vision for Smart Grid. European policymakers have recognized the value of smart meters since issuing a requirement in 2006 that consumers be provided with more frequent, detailed, and comprehensible information about their power consumption. The goal is better understanding equals better management, less power use, and lower carbon emissions. The European Union took it a step further this April, adopting a directive that 80% of consumers have smart meters by 2020 and 100% by 2022. While that may seem like a long while, utilities, energy retailers, and regulators are moving more quickly, with the leaders conducting pilots and starting some rollouts as I write this. Under the EU umbrella, Germany is requiring smart meters for all new and renovated premises beginning less than six months from now (January 1st), and the UK is finalizing its implementation rules later this year following receipt early next month of industry comments on its proposed regulations. Adding to this, early movers in Italy and Scandinavia have given the Europeans a head start, providing valuable experience and knowledge to smooth and accelerate the rollout. The battle against climate change has begun in earnest.

- Chris King