Smart Meters in Germany

A news release about Echelon smart meters in Germany notes that country is requiring that by 2010, all new homes must have smart meters:
"A reseller for smart grid technology player Echelon announced a deal this week to deploy an advanced metering infrastructure system that will serve roughly 10,000 customers in Hassfurt, Germany. The contract, which will be rolled out over the next three years, is being handled by EVB Energie AG. The utility in question is Stadtwerk Hassfurt, which has been around since 1955." Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/green/?p=1325

For an EU perspective on the prospects for smart meters in Europe in the short term, see the following: http://www.berginsight.com/News.aspx?m_m=6&s_m=1.