China Cements Its Role as the Undisputed AMI Leader

In terms of volume, China continues to preserve its status as the undisputed global leader in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Since 2012, State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) has been deploying smart meters to each of its customers at a feverish clip. SGCC has installed more than 400 million smart meters across China over the past 5 years as part of this unprecedented project.

While utilities in countries like Italy and Sweden have succeeded in converting all their electromechanical meters to smart devices, the scale and execution of China’s nationwide project are truly unmatched. It is worth noting some of the unique characteristics of SGCC’s project and what’s in store for the future of the overall Chinese smart meter market.

How Is This Possible?

When looking at the Chinese market for smart meters, it becomes clear that all meters are not created equal. More often than not, smart meters deployed across China lack the full capabilities of a basic smart meter common in Europe or North America, such as hourly interval measurements or reasonably symmetric two-way communications. Yet, the Chinese meters still provide significant capabilities beyond traditional automated meter reading systems, including very low speed or potential short-range communications.

These limited capabilities are one of the primary drivers behind the radically different price points of Chinese smart meters, which are typically around 50% less than typical US or European prices. In addition, the monopolistic nature of Chinese utilities leads to high volume purchase orders from domestic suppliers, further reducing average meter costs.

What Is Happening on the Ground?

Over the course of 2016, SGCC deployed 70 million new smart meters, with the installed base reaching approximately 400 million devices. SGCC expects full deployment by the end of 2017.

China Southern Power Grid, the country’s other state-owned electric utility, was primarily involved in pilot-scale projects prior to March 2016, at which point the utility began its large-scale commercial deployment. China Southern expects full deployment by 2020, which should account for more than 80 million meters.

Improving Technology Shows Promise for the Market

While initial indications would suggest a significant market downturn in 2017 and 2020 given the rollout conclusions, the emerging second-generation smart meter market should help placate any potential concerns. According to China’s national regulations, meters must be replaced every 5 to 8 years. With the lifespan of SGCC’s deployed meters running between 1 and 5 years, the mega-utility will now begin looking into second-generation upgrade meters, which often carry a higher cost along with increased capabilities.

This emerging second-generation market is expected to help sustain the strong revenue and growth profiles that have characterized the Chinese market for years. As other major markets like Brazil, Egypt, India, and Turkey begin their forays into large-scale smart meter projects, lessons can be learned from the impressive scale and execution of China’s rollouts.