http://www.energycentral.com/centers/news/daily/article.cfm?aid=10612151 

Who has analysed the techno-economics of these systems?

In Asia where the theft of energy is high such as India ,capital is too short to move ahead on such systems. Unless the costs of these systems largely meters is not brought down  and  uniform  open protocol decided and implemented, these technolgies are not going to see many takers even in five to ten years span.

Two reasons: One the technolgy people who would work in the utility end are not available- historically this is the area of utilities themselves.They will spend only limited funds for training etc!

secondly where are the funds for such an enterprise at the utility end?

The technology has to be transferred to the utility or liecensed , because no utility of any prominance wuill surrender its customer  relation ship to a private vendor  whether doing outsourcing  or not!

After all, they are in the field for developing their business of distribution not in dismantling it ,and let  others make money  and build reputation  is out of question ,when they are the far greator investor in the enterprise!

Alok MIsra.