Smart Meters, an Italian idea taking on the world

As the demand increases for digitalization along with the amplified need to upgrade or replace aging and outmoded electric grid structures, the smart grid market is growing by leaps and bounds. From now through 2027, the smart grid market is predicted to reach a 16% growth rate. Corporations, individuals and cities want an efficient and reliable smart grid system that powers their communities with diverse renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, as well as increase the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV's). They require a multifaceted system which incorporates the use of data-driven smart technology to provide a solid foundation for innovative smart grid structures. Enel X has designed and refined smart grid features to satisfy the growing demand.

Public lighting, public and private charging, JuiceLamps, residential photovoltaic, storage, residential boilers, residential air conditioning and solar thermal. Italy has gotten a lot smarter, thanks to Enel X’s ambitious smart meter systems. For more sustainable practices and efficient performance with smart meter systems, Enel X developed Circular guidelines for maintenance services, and created a special program to reward optimized performance as well as circular choices.

A prime example of Enel X's steadfast commitment to the circular economy is the recovery and reuse of plastic materials to create its first line of recycled EV home charging stations, JuiceBox. Instead of labeling old materials as waste, Enel X saw the opportunity to recycle the materials and use them in the new technology for JuiceBox. The results were even better than anticipated and the 30,000 new JuiceBoxes launched in Fall 2020 repurposed 60 tons of plastic.

In imagining a circular economy, Enel X worked together with its partners in areas of maintenance and installation to establish standards of practice. By incentivizing service companies to utilize innovative business methods and leverage digital technology both for business and the home, it was able to offer them additional benefits.Through Enel X solutions, personnel are offered improved industry offers and businesses are rewarded for their contributions to the circular economy, recognizing increases in smart choices made by consumers, as well as a company’s improved level of "circular" performance.

These initiatives are not only being carried out in Italy: Enel X has heeded the call to bring these circular economy business models to the rest of the world, in collaboration with local partners. Public lighting in Spain is now being improved thanks to the recovery and reuse of old parts, along with the collection of functioning JuicePole materials which can be used in the repair and maintenance of these systems in Italy and Spain. Enel X plans to roll out the same strategy of recycling JuicePole parts in Latin America.

This renewable approach of extending a material’s life cycle is also being carried out in Chile, whereby Enel X has developed a method to replace old wood stoves with air-conditioning units which offer heating and cooling modalities, at no extra charge. The process not only offers incredible economic savings for families, but also reduces toxic emissions in the air, thereby improving quality of life inside and out.

The global smart meters market is growing with a rising focus on smart grids in order to satisfy an increase in demand from governments to replace conventional meters, and, most importantly, to respond to the growing needs of consumers who are concerned about energy conservation.

With heightened awareness among individuals, corporations  and governments, the smart meter is flourishing both in hardware and software markets, and Enel X has already begun sharing it with the world.