The basic difference between conventional meters and smart meters is that conventional meters provide one-way of communication, whereas smart meters provide two-way communication. For instance, in order to carry out a meter reading using a conventional meter, the meter reader needs to physically visit the customer premise and take the reading. This reading will be sent to the utility company for billing. But in case of smart meters, this can be done automatically. The system operator will create a meter read request from the utility company office.
The smart meter sends the meter reading as per the request to the utility company. This avoids manual intervention during meter reading and provides more accurate, real-time data to the company.
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Smart metering generally involves the installation of an intelligent meter at residential customers and the regular reading, processing and feedback of consumption data to the customer. A “smart” meter has the following capabilities:
The ‘intelligence’ of the meter is incorporated in the electricity meter. It has three basic functions:
i) Measure the electricity used (or generated),
ii) Remotely switch the customer off and
iii) Remotely control the maximum electricity consumption.
The electricity meter communicates by means of a modem. An important characteristic is the communication infrastructure used by the smart meter for this communication. Amongst the possibilities are Power Line Carrier, (PLC, using the existing electricity grid); a wireless modem (GSM or GPRS) or an existing permanent internet connection (ADSL). An interface connects the smart meter to home appliances or a home display. Appliances can be controlled directly and the display can be used to show (historic) energy data and energy cost. In this example a gas meter is coupled to the electricity meters and borrows the “intelligence” and communication facilities of the electricity meter.
Technologically, there are no obstacles for the introduction of smart metering. The Italian case (roll out of approximately 30 million smart meters at residential customers) and numerous demonstration projects in other countries show that the technology (smart meter, infrastructure, data processing) is mature and can be implemented on a large scale. A smart meter is a logical successor of the mechanical electricity meter, just as the pick-up, the dial phone and the typewriter are replaced with digital, more intelligent alternatives.
Smart Metering is often referred to as automated meter reading (AMR), or in the case of realtime, two-way communications, as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
The benefits of a smart meter can impact both electricity provider and the consumer. In addition, the use of a smart meter also has a direct impact on environment protection. The following points outline the benefits from the consumers and electricity companies‘ perspective and its impact on the environment:
From the Consumers’ Perspective
From the Electricity Companies’ Perspective
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