In the starting phase the communication with energy meters has been complicated by manufacturer- and user-specific communication systems with a variety of corresponding protocols. With the new DLMS standard protocol, meter communication is immensely simplified. This protocol has an object-oriented structure, allowing to read application data of different manufacturer's meters in the same way.

For communication in today's changing multi-media environment, DLMS sets the new dimensions: The whole range of common communication media from telephone to hand held units, PLC to radio can be used.

DLMS is a universal abstract language for meter communication being standardised in IEC. DLMS is an open standard and has been issued as IEC 61334-4-41.

DLMS is also open to other than electricity revenue meters i.e. gas, heat and water meters. The corresponding standards will be issued by CEN TC294 in close co-operation with IEC TC13.