IHS predicted a growing opportunity for manufacturers providing semiconductors that enable two way communications for smart meters, forecasting that global shipments of communicating meters will hit 132 million units in 2015 and grow to 150 million in 2019. Global revenues for semiconductors used in water, gas and electric meters reached $1.2 billion (€1 billion) in 2014, with a year-on-year growth of 11 percent and a five-year compound annual growth rate of 8 percent. The average semiconductor cost in two-way meters was approximately $11 in 2014. Average selling prices (ASPs) are expected to increase over time, as industry needs increase for 32-bit micro-controller units (MCUs), memory chips, single system-on-chip (SoC) solutions and other components used in secured communications and other applications. Release