On going liberalization of the USA's energy and water markets is compelling utilities to radically rethink their business objectives and internal structure. One effect of this market shift is that many energy and water suppliers - despite having developed significant expertise for managing their own metering assets over the years - are now seriously considering complete outsourcing of the metering point and related data management services to third party specialist organizations. A number of utilities in North America have already adopted this approach. Two key factors are driving this trend: utility commissions are forcing suppliers to unbundle metering, as part of the strategy for liberalizing the supply markets; and suppliers are seeking fresh ways of maintaining their competitiveness in a changing marketplace.
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