ACEA, Rome's principal utility company, is deploying comprehensive smart grid and water management systems across the metropolitan area, serving over nine million customers with next-generation digital infrastructure. The project represents one of Italy's most significant investments in intelligent utility modernisation, encompassing smart electricity meters, AI-powered water leak detection, predictive maintenance for ageing pipe networks, and energy demand optimisation through advanced analytics.
At the heart of the initiative is the rollout of more than 1.5 million smart electricity meters, enabling real-time consumption monitoring and dynamic tariff management for households and businesses across Rome. On the water side, ACEA has equipped over 11,000 kilometres of pipes with acoustic sensors and pressure analytics that use artificial intelligence to detect leaks within hours, reducing water losses by approximately 25 per cent. This is particularly significant in a Mediterranean climate where water scarcity is an increasing concern.
The project also extends to smart public lighting, with over 150,000 LED fixtures now connected to a centralised management platform that adjusts brightness based on time of day, pedestrian activity, and ambient conditions. Additionally, ACEA is integrating renewable energy sources and microgrids into its distribution network, supporting Rome's transition towards a more decentralised and sustainable energy system.
By combining IoT sensor networks, machine learning algorithms, and digital twin models of its infrastructure, ACEA is transforming Rome's essential utility services from reactive to predictive operations. The initiative not only improves service reliability and reduces operational costs but also contributes to the city's broader environmental and climate goals, positioning Rome as an emerging leader in smart utility management among southern European capitals.