Spain Launches Plan to Replace 8 Million Smart Gas Meters

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 27, the deployment order for natural gas smart metering devices formulated by Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge was officially published in the Official State Gazette, taking effect on October 28. Under Ministerial Order TED/1122/2026, Spanish natural gas distribution companies will gradually replace approximately 8 million traditional analog gas meters over 10 years and connect the new devices to a remote management system. The replacement plan covers gas supply facilities for residential and small and medium-sized enterprise customers and is to be completed by 2036 at the latest.

The new rules set phased installation targets for supply points with annual gas consumption not exceeding 50,000 kWh: at least 20% of device replacements completed after 3 years of implementation, 50% after 5 years, 80% after 7 years, and all replacements completed after 10 years. According to the regulations, device replacement and connection to the remote management system must be completed simultaneously, and implementation progress will be assessed uniformly across corporate groups.

For approximately 70,000 supply points with annual gas consumption exceeding 50,000 kWh but not exceeding 5 million kWh, distribution companies must also deploy remote meter reading systems. Such facilities must achieve at least 50% coverage within 5 years, 80% within 7 years, and complete deployment within 10 years. The project involves natural gas distribution companies including Nedgia, Redexis, Madrileña Red de Gas, and Nortegas.

The new-generation smart gas meters will feature two-way communication, automatic reading of daily gas consumption data, abnormal operation alarms, and remote gas supply control. Technical specifications require the devices to adapt to natural gas transmission conditions with a hydrogen blending ratio of at least 20% and to support users in querying gas consumption data through digital platforms. The remote management system will also be equipped with data collection, device communication, and information security functions.

Regarding device installation arrangements, six months after the new rules take effect, some leased gas meters installed indoors or in hard-to-reach locations that are newly installed or replaced must use smart metering devices; other supply points with annual gas consumption not exceeding 50,000 kWh are subject to a one-year transition period. Distribution companies must also publish their respective implementation plans and establish user data access channels.