Smart Metering in the Dutch Energy Sector |
 The Dutch energy sector is currently experiencing a wide variety of changes. In the stepwise process of liberalisation and deregulation of the market, ownership unbundling of the regional energy grids is the most recent development. The adoption of the Wet Onafhankelijk Netbeheer (WON) has some far reaching implications, since it obliges incumbent, integrated energy firms to dispose of the regional networks and transform them into fully functioning and autonomous network companies. On top of the unbundling of the regional grids a new market model is introduced, redefining the responsibilities of actors in the sector and thereby also creating a drive for reorganisation of the metering process. In this dynamic and uncertain setting the introduction of smart meters poses unique challenges for the sector, whereby new opportunities arise, but complications are lurking.
Nolan, Norton & Co. (NNC) initiated this research in order to investigate the impact of ownership unbundling on strategy and organization of the Dutch energy sector. Smart metering is chosen as a clear example of the implications of unbundling on governance and organisation of essential business processes. Where in the beginning a clear vision guided smart metering, recent developments have shown an inclination of both government and industry to focus on detailed issues, instead of on the overall success of the project. Goal of this Research Memorandum is therefore to provide a vision on future governance and organisation of smart metering, not per se as an optimal solution, but foremost as an instigator for discussion on how to deal with a complex issue like smart metering.
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