Distribution Automation Market Size - By Communication, By Component, By Application, Analysis, Share, Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Distribution Automation Market Size

The global distribution automation market size was valued at USD 17.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach the value of USD 50 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2025 to 2034. The need for grid modernization, smart grids, and reliable power distribution drives market growth.
 

The global adoption of automation technologies increases the efficiency of the grid, reduces outage times, and increases the use of renewable energy. The market is centered on the implementation of self-healing grids, AMI systems, and intelligent switchgears. In 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) allocated up to USD 3.5 billion towards funding 58 projects across 44 states to enhance electric grid reliability and resilience throughout the U.S.
 

Government policies promoting energy efficiency and sustainability drive market expansion. Nevertheless, there are existing barriers in the market including high initial operating capital, possible infringement of security, and non-integration of automation systems. In January 2024, the European Commission allocated USD 1.35 billion from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) into 41 energy infrastructure projects to enhance grid automation and interconnectivity, subsequently improving interoperability automation solutions.
 

The merging of AI analytics, IoT automation, and cloud-based grid control systems continues to shift the market, causing innovation among stakeholders. Project EDGE is aimed at trialing a decentralized energy market within Australia, allowing for distributed energy resources to provide grid services through funding of 12.92 million dollars. Initiated by AEMO with financial assistance from ARENA, it enhances the responsiveness of the grid as well as the active trading of consumer energy.
 

Distribution Automation Market Trends

• The intelligent grid system, automated predictive maintenance powered by AI, and real-time monitoring of the electrical grid are contributing to the growth of the automation business area. In 2023 the Grid Deployment awarded USD 10.5 billion to the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the Grid Deployment program to improve flexibility and resilience of power systems.
   
• Utility companies are implementing IoT-enabled automation solutions to improve fault detection capabilities, manage load distribution, and increase energy efficiency. The increasing integration of renewable energy sources necessitates self-healing grids and distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS). The European Commission's REPowerEU plan allocated USD 323.64 billion for power grid infrastructure upgrades and smart technology integration in May 2022.
   
• Cloud-based automation platforms and edge computing technologies enable utilities to make rapid operational decisions and maintain system flexibility. The modernization of grid infrastructure and the targets set for carbon reduction are making investment in automation solutions more appealing.
   
• The increased concern over cybersecurity is impacting market activity and has led to the adoption of stricter security protocols for automated grid systems to protect them from cyber threats and attacks.
   

Distribution Automation Market Analysis

• The communication segment in the distribution automation market is evolving with the growing adoption of both wired and wireless technologies. The distribution automation market was valued at USD 14.6 billion, USD 15.9 billion and USD 17.4 billion in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively and is expected to grow over USD 50 billion by 2034. The wired communication dominates the market and will grow by USD 26.5 billion by 2034.
   
• Wired communication networks, particularly fiber optics and Ethernet, maintain dominance in high-reliability applications because of their stability, low latency, and interference resistance. Utility companies rely on wired networks for critical automation functions, including SCADA systems and real-time grid monitoring.
   
• The U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Modernization Initiative has allocated USD 220 million in funding for grid infrastructure upgrades, with a significant focus on energy storage and distributed generation.
   
• Wireless communication networks are expanding in adoption due to their flexibility, scalability, and cost advantages, especially in remote locations. The implementation of 5G, LPWAN, and RF mesh networks improves real-time data transmission capabilities for fault detection and asset monitoring.
   
• The movement towards IoT-sophisticated smart grids boosts the necessity for hybrid communication networks which are more automated in terms of grid support and integrate the reliability of wired systems with the flexibility of wireless systems.
   
• In 2024, an Arnowa and Western Australian Utility deployed a DER platform using IEEE 2030.5 standard based on IoT modernized the stability of the grid, management of peak demand, and efficiency in energy use with a reduction in the dependence on fossil fuels.
   

• The components segment in the distribution automation market is evolving with advancements in software, field devices, and services. The field services component held 43% of market share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow over a CAGR of 12% by the year 2034.
   
• Field devices, including smart reclosers, automated switches, and fault indicators, integrate with IoT and edge computing to improve grid reliability. Utilities are increasing their demand for system integration, cybersecurity, and predictive maintenance services to optimize operations and protect automated infrastructure. In January 2025, Biden signed an executive order to accelerate AI infrastructure, enabling large-scale data centers and clean power facilities in the U.S.
   
• Software solutions that incorporate AI-driven grid management, predictive analytics, and cloud-based SCADA systems are experiencing increased adoption as utilities focus on real-time monitoring and automation. The European Union’s Horizon Europe initiative set aside USD 103.03 billion from 2021 to 2027 for various research and innovative activities, which also covers automation solutions for the distribution of smart grids.
   
• Investment across the hardware, software, and services components is being driven by the development of digital substations and self-healing grids. These investments are directed towards enhancing interoperability, remote asset management, and improving the grid’s resilience in smart grid ecosystems.
   

• The U.S. distribution automation market experienced significant growth in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and was valued at USD 3.7 billion, USD 4 billion and USD 4.4 billion respectively. The growth is estimated to grow over USD 11.5 billion by 2034.
   
• The market is propelled due to the changes in the grid system, adoption of renewable sources of energy, and the deployment of new technologies. Utilities are using integrated AI automation, IoT domain controllers, and cloud-based infrastructure management applications.
   
• Policies at the federal and state level aimed at increasing energy conservation efficiency along with different cybersecurity policies drive further growth in the market together with the improved monitoring provided by 5G and edge networks. In 2024 the U.S. DOE spend USD 32 million in grid-edge technologies for smart charging, improving grid resiliency, renewable resource integration, and electric vehicle optimization.
   
• The market for Europe’s distribution automation is growing due to drilling regulations, the adoption of smart grids, and the addition of renewable energy sources. Germany continues to lead the market with funding on automation, digital substations, and IoT integration into distribution networks that supports the country’s energy transition and carbon reduction goals. In 2023, the EU’s REPowerEU program pledged an investment of USD 31.29 billion to upgrade the power grid infrastructure.
   
• The smart distribution systems in the Asia Pacific region experience significant expansion due to heightened urbanization, rising electricity demand and sponsored smart grid projects.
   
• China continues to dominate with spending on automated substations, AI-powered grid management, and advanced metering infrastructure, which is also facilitated by energy benefit programs and renewable energy integration. In October 2022, the State Grid Corporation of China disclosed plans to spend USD 330 billion over the course of the years 2021 to 2025 for upgrades to the power distribution network.
   
• The rise in energy consumption, modernization of the energy distribution network and investment in smart infrastructures are factors contributing to the growth of the distribution automation market in the Middle East and Africa regions.
   
• Saudi Arabia continues to spearhead the region with the implementation of renewable projects, automated smart grid technologies IoT-based distribution automation systems, and Vision 2030 projects. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced in 2024 their intention to invest USD 1.9 billion for the development of smart grid infrastructure by 2035.
   

Distribution Automation Market Share

The top 6 companies of the distribution automation market are Siemens, ABB, Schneider Electric, GE, Eaton, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, which collectively held 40% of market share in 2024. These companies maintain their competitive position by offering global service coverage and delivering advanced automation and high technology solutions for smart grids. The products they offer are advanced applications of control for smart switchgear, reclosers, and the grid.
 

With a wide range of products and operations around the world, Siemens dominates the market in distribution automation. Their range of products includes advanced reclosers, fault detection systems for utility companies, and grid control applications.
 

Siemens remains the leading figure in the distribution automation market due to continuous R&D investments and partnerships with other utilities and tech corporations. In February 2024, Siemens introduced new software that enhances grid visibility and optimizes distribution and renewable integration, allowing utilities to increase net-zero goals and resilience.
 

Distribution Automation Market Companies

Key companies operating across the distribution automation industry include:

• ABB
• Cisco
• Eaton
• GE
• G&W Electric
• Hitachi
• Hubbell
• Itron
• Landis+Gyr
• NovaTech
• Schneider Electric
• Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
• S&C Electric Company
• Siemens
• Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions
• Trilliant Holdings
• Xylem
   
• ABB offers solutions for distribution automation including digital substations, intelligent switch gears, and automation system. The integration of smart grid systems and an innovative approach toward AI powered analytics ensures the reliability and efficiency of electric power distribution networks. The company's competitive advantage is bolstered by the presence of advanced smart grid systems and the multinational presence of ABB. In 2024, ABB collaborated with GridBeyond to increase the scope of energy optimization and AI powered automated demand response while improving grid resilience toward sustainable power systems.
   
• Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure platform enables distribution automation through real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and grid efficiency features. The company integrates smart grid tools with energy management services to assist utilities in the efficient allocation of power. Their digital focus coupled with sustainability remains a strong market driver. In January 2023, Schneider Electric collaborated with ETAP to improve grid management and increase automation alongside reliability and sustainability.
   
• GE offers distribution automation solutions, including intelligent reclosers, fault detection systems, and grid management software. The Grid Solutions division contributes to power network modernization by improving automation, resilience, and reliability. GE maintains utility partnerships and applies technical expertise in the market. In 2023, GE Vernova and EnergyHub announce partnership to enhance DER management and grid optimization in order to enhance DER management by integrating GridOS DERMS optimization with EnergyHub’s resource control.
   
• Eaton implements automation solutions within the distribution segment that includes smart switchgear, fault isolation systems, and grid control technologies. The company focuses on energy efficiency and reliable power distribution while offering utility customer service support around the world. In 2025, Eaton's AI-enabled voltage regulation technology will increase reliability and optimize energy distribution while improving grid stability.
   
• Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) develop protection, automation, and control solutions for power distribution networks. The organization offers relays, fault detection systems, and cyber security services to improve grid security, reliability, and automation. SEL pursues the traditional research and development work in the area of automation of electric power distribution processes. In June 2022, SEL led a team with SDG&E and Quanta Technologies to develop the RTACs and Phasor based Real Time Automatic Detection of Power Lines Falling Mitigation system that autonomously detects and de-energizes power falling power lines to avert accidents.
   

Distribution Automation Industry News

• In March 2025, Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Reactive Technologies joined forces to improve the stability of the grid and the integration of renewable resources. The combination of GridMetrix from Reactive and PSSE Software from Siemens provide the user with real-time inertia data which enhances the grid's efficiency. This collaboration assists contractors in managing risks and curtailments while accelerating the shift towards a low-carbon energy system.
   
• In March 2025, Siemens exhibited advanced transformer technologies at DISTRIBUTECH 2025, including automation and other renewable resource capabilities. These modernizations will facilitate further grid visibility scope and functionality, assist the ongoing energy transition while enhancing utility reliability and efficiency, and respond to the changing power landscape.
   
• In March 2025, Honeywell joined forces with Verizon to upgrade energy grids with 5G technology. The partnership improves automation, monitoring, and predictive maintenance of utilities. The fusion of Verizon’s 5G and Honeywell’s smart grid technologies increases the dependability, efficiency, and sustainability of energy grids, aiding the shift towards a more robust energy infrastructure.
   
• In March 2025, Eaton launched an AI-driven voltage control solution aimed at improving grid efficiency and stability. This initiative enhances renewable integration, helps with energy distribution, and improves power quality. With the adoption of AI, Eaton supports utilities in addressing grid issues, minimizing outages, and boosting system reliability.
   
• In April 2025, ABB partnered with GridBeyond to improve energy optimization and grid management. This partnership harnesses the power of AI and automation to augment demand response, energy flexibility, and grid resilience. The partnership aids the integration of renewables and serves utilities and industries in optimizing energy consumption while expediting the shift towards a sustainable power system.
   

The distribution automation market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of “USD Million” from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Communication

• Wired
• Wireless

Market, By Components

• Software
• Field devices
• Services

Market, By Application

• Public utility
• Private utility

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico 
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Australia
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Chile