Power utility PPC is moving cautiously to set specifications for 7.5 million smart meters to be installed around the country following the debacle of a previous long-running effort, launched ten years ago, to no avail, for this mammoth project.

PPC and subsidiary DEDDIE/HEDNO, the distribution network operator, have been given authority by the energy ministry to prepare details of a new tender for the procurement and installation of smart meters that will replace conventional power meters throughout Greece.

A number of sub-tenders may be staged, given the size of the project, budgeted at approximately 850 million euros, sources said.

Authorities are likely to launch the new competitive procedure towards the end of this year or early next year.

The competitive procedure for smart meters is not linked to another procedure concerning the privatization of DEDDDIE/HEDNO, sources clarified in comments to energypress.

Regardless of its forthcoming privatization, DEDDDIE/HEDNO is carrying on with a company plan to modernize and upgrade its distribution network and infrastructure, the sources pointed out.