Smart grids projects on the increase with utilities

Smart grids projects on the increase with utilities Australia's smart grid market is at an evolutionary stage, with many utilities considering smart grids at the same time as trying to validate the usefulness of different smart grid technologies and understand the business case for smart grids. This assessment by analysts, Frost & Sullivan, is on the back of its latest survey of the market which reveals that there are $200 million worth of smart grid pilot projects in operation or about to start in Australia with most focusing on the potential for smart meters and demand management.  According to the firm, much of the current activity is being driven by government mandates that will see the roll out of nearly eight million smart meters across Australia, representing an investment of nearly US$2.1 million by 2015.  Frost & Sullivan consultant, Rajat Gupta, says these projects are a “crucial opportunity for ICT and IT services vendors to build partnerships with utilities and other stakeholders in the near term and to establish credibility in delivering smart grid solutions.”