U.S. Advanced Meter Penetration by end-use sector: “Electric meters with enhanced communication capabilities — an essential component of the smart grid — are becoming more prevalent. This offers the possibility that electric systems will become more reliable and efficient. In 2009, 39% of all U.S. electrical customers had advanced meters, up from 32% in 2008. Advanced meters can use one-way communication (known as Automated Meter Reading, or AMR), which enables the utility to do remote meter reading, or two-way communication (Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI). In 2009, 17% of advanced meters used two-way communication, up from 10% in 2008. These two-way meters are often referred to as “smart meters.” Utilities have an incentive to install advanced meters for residential customers because automated meter reading lowers costs. Commercial and industrial customers probably have lower penetration rates for these digital meters because they are more likely to have more sophisticated analog meters already in place, to be on a time-responsive tariff, and to be interruptible customers.”