eMeter, a smart grid software platform provider, announced it is requesting policymakers to adopt a global Smart Grid vision for consumers in response to slow deployment of consumer-oriented smart meter functionality.

Global leaders need to share consensus vision on Smart Grid benefits to meet consumer needs while fulfilling policy goals.  

Smart Grid offers benefits including cost savings via improved load factor and system efficiency, faster and wider adoption of renewable energy and electric vehicles, primary policy tool to achieve policy goals of energy savings and renewable portfolio standards, and emission reductions.

“Financial savings due to higher system efficiencies and the wider adoption of renewable energy are possible if Government leaders set uncomplicated compelling high-level vision for the Smart Grid,” Chris King, chief regulatory officer at eMeter, in a statement.

“Leaders should leverage policies to allow the market to deliver creative solutions in order to fully achieve their Smart Grid goals and deliver benefits to both consumers and utilities,” King added.

At the consumer level, Smart Grid can empower them to have access to detailed energy information, choice of time-based pricing options and widespread availability of automated appliances and devices, company officials said.

Consumers can benefit from these elements if regulators establish specific smart meter installation and functionality targets.

Besides the United States, where policies are happening on state-wide level, Smart Grid planning continues to progress in countries such as Brazil and the UK. The European Union is looking at 80 percent meter installation by 2020 and 100 percent by 2022.

Recently, wireless major Verizon and eMeter announced that they will be partnering to develop and deliver one of the first cloud-based meter data management offerings for the utility industry. The partnership will help meet utility needs for advanced smart grid solutions with built-in security, reliability and new capabilities.