With more than eight million smart meters already deployed in the United States, the market for residential energy management (REM) has taken the first significant steps in deploying Smart Grid technologies and advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) on a broad scale, according to Parks Associates.

The international research firm, which recently completed the report Residential Energy Management: Company, Alliance & Technology Profiles, says these deployments will open up significant opportunities for companies in the REM value chain. Public, private, and consumer factors are all driving this growth, and the federal stimulus bill, with the support of the Obama Administration, allocates $11 billion for Smart Grid initiatives through 2010.

"Already over six percent of all U.S. meters are smart meters, and utilities throughout the U.S. are announcing new deployments and pilot programs daily," said Bill Ablondi, director, home systems research, Parks Associates. "We completed the Profiles report to analyze current players in this area and identify how their deployments will impact growth in a variety of consumer digital lifestyle device and service categories."

Residential Energy Management: Company, Alliance & Technology Profiles provides coverage of more than 60 companies and ten alliances, including home-area network (HAN) solutions and component suppliers; metering solutions manufacturers; Smart Grid enablers; and technology enablers.