Since embarking on its national smart metering project at the turn of the decade, more than 200 million new electricity meters have been deployed across China. However, according to ABI Research’s latest research, only around 50 million have so far been connected with bi-directional capabilities that can support true smart meter capabilities such as demand response. In short, this key smart meter project has not been that ‘smart’. But it is set to get smarter, and that means another wave of opportunity for technology providers.