Foreign firms eye bids for TEPCO smart meters
News On Japan via Yomiuri -- Aug 27
Foreign companies are preparing to enter bidding next fiscal year to supply Tokyo Electric Power Co. with smart meters--next-generation electric power meters.
In July, TEPCO decided to adopt international standards for telecommunications and other specifications of smart meters after the utility sought opinions from a number of companies. This has made it easier for newcomers to enter the market.
If competition among manufacturers becomes intense, TEPCO's procurement costs are likely to fall and a future hike in electricity rates may be kept down.
Smart meters can measure electricity consumption at certain designated intervals and have telecommunications functions able to transmit data to power companies and household users.
Source: Yomiuri
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