Poland Smart Metering

Poland is complying with an EU directive to install smart electricity meters for 80% of the consumers by 2028, by creating an Energy Market Information Operator, who will be responsible for running the system, collecting and processing information and metering data. The function of the operator will be performed by the Polskie Sieci Energetyczne (PSE SA) and the system is expected to be operational in the next three years.

Despite the multi-year installation schedule of the smart meters, there will be considerable challenges to overcome.  Currently, only eleven percent of Polish SMEs have already installed smart meters and nine percent of households (according to the Polish Power Transmission and Distribution Association).  These two groups of electricity consumers are obligated to install smart meters, in order to meet the legal requirements.  By the end of 2028, it is expected that more than 11.4 million of smart meters will be installed to satisfy the EU’s electrical metering requirements.

There are four major Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in Poland, and estimates indicate that Tauron Dystrybucja will  install approximately 4.48 million smart meters,  PGE Dystrybucja will install 4.3 million, Energa Operator 1.4 million and Innogy 800,000, units, all by 2028. The smart meter replacement program requires the construction of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), that will connect the meters to the grid and enable data collection and transmission.  The costs of building a nationwide smart metering system will cost several billion dollars, with the major cost, nearly $1.7 billion, spent on smart meters, by 2028. 

The development of smart grid technologies in Poland presents opportunities for U.S. providers of intelligent solutions for electricity distribution grids.  These opportunities include the distribution of automation products, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), substation automation technologies, IT systems, consumer engagement software for home energy management, Demand Response Programs (DRPs) and Virtual Power Plants.

Currently, public awareness of intelligent grid solutions is very limited in Poland, however, grid modernization has been cited as a priority in public media. There is a strong need to educate Polish customers to increase awareness and demand for technologies such as energy efficiency devices or demand response programs. 

U.S. companies that are interested in increasing their presence in Poland’s smart grid market should contact Office.Warsaw@trade.gov.