The Sultanate of Oman is undertaking a 1.2 million smart meter rollout nationwide over the next five years.
The initiative, in line with the Sultanate’s Oman Vision 2040 for socio-economic development, is considered a leading national project in terms of digital transformation, with the smart meters set to replace mechanical meters, a statement reads.
“The objectives of Oman Vision 2040 are focused on keeping pace with global developments and employing technology in delivering electricity-related services effectively and efficiently that will support the development of smart, sustainable cities with advanced basic services,” Hilal bin Mohammed al-Ghaithi, Director General of Subscriber Affairs at the Public Services Regulatory Authority, said in the statement.
Coming hot on the heels of a planned large smart meter deployment in Qatar, this indicates the ongoing importance of the Middle East market after the large scale implementations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Benefits anticipated include regular and more accurate meter reading and billing, the elimination of discretionary meter reads and the development of new services for customers, who also will be able to monitor and manage their consumption.
Others are a reduction in network losses and reduction in the duration of power outages.
The licensed energy companies will bear the costs of replacement and operation of the new smart meters and steps will be taken to ensure that meter readers are not impacted by the change, the statement reads.
The Oman Vision 2040 has as one of its objectives energy security to be achieved with diversified sources of energy including renewable energies and rationalised consumption.
Renewables targets include 20% renewable energy consumption by 2030 and 35-39% by 2040, up from zero currently.
GDP per unit of energy use is projected to be within the top 20 countries by 2030 and the top ten by 2040.
New infrastructure projects in Oman will be geared towards the green economy, green strategies and renewable energy production.
Source: https://www.smart-energy.com/industry-sectors/smart-meters/1-2-million-smart-meter-rollout-in-oman/