In view of the fact the electric energy meter industry lacks an evaluation method for R&D capabilities in China, a comprehensive evaluation method for electric energy meter manufacturers was proposed. This method was first based on the internationally accepted Quality Maturity Model (QMM), combined with the construction requirements of the National Quality Foundation (NQI) basic elements. An evaluation index system covering the main links of R&D of electric energy meters was established. Each index was quantified through analytic hierarchy process, calculated the corresponding weight. The evaluation formula was derived. Finally, five electric energy meter manufacturers as examples, the method of combining subjective scoring and objective data was used to evaluate the comprehensive R&D capability. The results show that the method can objectively evaluate the R&D capabilities of electric energy meter manufacturers. It provides a basis for bidding work of electric energy meters and the improvement of manufacturers'' own R&D capabilities.