Revenue from Smart Grid Power Line Communications Systems Will Surpass $418 Million Annually by 2020, Forecasts Pike Research

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Power line communications (PLC) systems, which allow data to be sent across power lines, are used in many segments of the electricity grid. The expansion of smart grids is fueling increased utility interest in the technology, specifically the use of PLC to handle communications across the neighborhood area network and to connect electricity or gas meters to each other and the utility’s control center. According to a recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, annual revenue from PLC systems for smart grid applications will grow from $283 million in 2012 to more than $418 million by 2020.

“PLC systems offer economic advantages that include lower capital costs compared with other communications systems, as well as the advantage of owning the communications system outright, instead of leasing it from a cellular provider or other third-party entity.”

“Shipments of PLC nodes will grow steadily over the remainder of the decade, as utilities complete advanced metering initiatives to comply with various mandates and deadlines,” says senior research analyst Neil Strother. “PLC systems offer economic advantages that include lower capital costs compared with other communications systems, as well as the advantage of owning the communications system outright, instead of leasing it from a cellular provider or other third-party entity.”

Earlier PLC systems supported one-way communication, where meter readings would be sent from end devices, such as meters, directly to a master receiver. The modern two-way system, however, allows bi-directional communications between the meter and the utility. Commands can be transmitted out from the utility to the end devices, which allows for a number of more advanced functions.

The report, “Power Line Communications for Smart Grids”, focuses on the various types of PLC technology currently used in each world region, in addition to providing forecasts and insights into the technologies and standards that will be deployed over the next decade, covering the range of technologies used in these networks, including PRIME, G3-PLC, IEEE P1901.2, and various proprietary technologies. Profiles of eight utilities and 16 key industry vendors are included, along with worldwide market forecasts through 2020, segmented by region and technology, for unit shipments, revenue, and average selling prices. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Pike Research website.

About Pike Research

Pike Research, which joined Navigant’s global Energy Practice on July 1, 2012, provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Pike Research can be found at www.navigant.com/pikeresearch.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Power Line Communications for Smart Grids,” is a summary and reflects Pike Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Pike Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.