The smart meters from GE are connected to a central office for analysis and planning via a data concentrator, providing data to optimize usage efficiency and minimizing waste. Benchmarking data from 2009 will contribute to emissions and efficiency programmes in 2010 and beyond.

By consolidating infrastructure, GE's programme delivers operational advantages, such as, reducing up-front costs and allowing other communications-dependent functions like security, health, safety and assisted living monitoring to be added as the city develops those solutions.

Walter Huber, general manager of Stadtwerke Erding, said: “We are developing a complete picture of our energy and resource usage to help us become more efficient providers and consumers of energy. What we are learning will help us formulate practical, effective and timely programs to reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing lifestyle.”