Most people used traditional electricity meters in their homes a few years ago. The unit consumption was manually noted down through analog metering systems without built-in sensors. Smart meter for electricity brings the concept of inbuilt electronic sensors to record the unit consumption.

Even though the concept of smart metering is not new in Pakistan, the wide use of smart metering devices started after 2019 when many private utility companies installed smart meters on a larger scale. The basic objective is to improve billing accuracy, reduce losses due to theft and enable better demand management. 

Let’s explore further details about smart meters, along with their usage and benefits.

Although traditional electricity meters have been working for many decades to calculate unit consumption accurately, the rapid interaction of technology introduces smart metering for electricity to make accurate calculations and minimize the risk of electricity stolen challenges.

The digital device of smart metering is one of the best ways to perfect electricity usage. Now, consumers can handle the addition of extra units to their electricity bills due to wrong meter readings in the past. 

Without cutting corners, WAPDA Pakistan is replacing old analog meters with digital smart meters to improve the functionality of electricity usage. This digital device has the ability to communicate remotely and transfer unit consumption details to utilities after every 15 minutes to an hour.

If you’re worrying about the unfamiliarity of smart metering functionality, then let it go! The process of smart metering is quite simple as the flow of air. This meter takes automatic readings after the usage of every single unit. Nobody can change the readings manually due to digital mechanisms. 

Smart meters are used for commercial, residential, and industrial levels and are directly connected with energy suppliers for recording data. It is also helpful in analyzing the unit consumption trends in peak hours and normal timings. That helps the consumers to use electricity wisely and save their units to reduce their electricity bills.

There’re several features to discuss related to smart metering that helps in enhancing its impeccable results while talking about meter reading. The main features are:

Using smart meters, you can enjoy real-time energy consumption data and monitor and track energy usage patterns. This feature helps identify multiple energy-saving opportunities and usage adjustments accordingly.

This is one of the most efficient features of smart meters that help minimize the risks of meter reading falsies. Smart meters transmit consumption data directly to the energy suppliers, eliminating manual meter reading inspection.

New smart meters for electricity support time-of-use pricing models where electricity costing is based on the time of the day. It provides consumers with peak and off-peak hours details and helps in energy savings.

The best part of smart meters for electricity is to detect power outages. These meters have the ability to detect and send notifications to suppliers and consumers simultaneously. This feature is helpful for faster response times and reduces downtime through faster restoration efforts.

The two-way communication feature of smart, meters is more responsive and faster than traditional electricity meters. It directly connects with power suppliers to remotely control the complexities.

Using smart meters, power distribution companies can easily implement load control and demand response programs. Such strategies help in managing peak hours demands through wise usage.

This feature enables consumers to monitor their meter readings on their own. It helps in avoiding controversies or false meter reading issues effortlessly.

Smart meters for electricity have inbuild tamper detection systems to identify any unauthorized attempts or manipulation of energy consumption data. This amazing feature helps in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of smart meters.

Before stepping forward, you must know about common smart meter specifications for its smooth functionality. However, these specifications vary on manufacturers and specific designs and implementations.

Smart meters use multiple communication technologies that are built in, like 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G cellular networks, PLC(power line communication), RF(radio frequencies), and sometimes a combination of these technologies. 

Smart meters support AMR (automated meter reading) or AMI(advanced metering infrastructure) protocols for efficient data transmission. 

The data transmission frequency depends on the meter designs and requirements. Normally, single-phase meter specifications show 15 minutes to one-hour data transmission interval.

Knowing about various types of smart meters for electricity is crucial before stepping on. It’ll help understand its functionality clearer and more visible to overcome the controversies.

Usually, a smart meter comes in two types, including a three-phase and a single-phase meter. 

Both kinds of meters are very similar except for the energy requirements. Three-phase electric meters are typically used to support big setups like industries or commercial usage. 

Besides that, a single-phase smart meter is the best option for residential because of less electricity usage. However, installing a three-phase meter can also be possible for home use after the proper application process. 

Some other kinds of meters are also available, like distribution transformer and CT-PT meters, but all depends on the need and electricity requirements. Now, the ball is in your court completely, depending on the electricity consumption requirements.

The installation or replacement of smart meter costs for electricity varies in different situations. There are some set rules under NEPRA that are followed by all power distribution companies while providing the services of smart meters.

Usually, consumers don’t pay any upfront cost for smart meters in case of replacement or electricity outrage. The cost of smart meters is simply added to the electricity bills to overcome the burden of consumers. 

However, if you apply for a new connection or meter installation, then relevant power distribution companies take charge of meters in cash. These payables include the basic charges of meters that must pay for meter access. 

Similarly, smart meter cost for single-phase and three-phase is completely different because of electricity usage. Therefore, it’s better to contact utility companies’ offices for transparency before the installation of smart meters. 

Besides all that, smart meter issues and challenges are also here that need to be addressed fully. However, these issues are far less than their benefits and smooth functionality that can be ignored to get effective results.

A smart meter eliminates room for error by automating the entire meter reading process, significantly reducing mistakes. It also enables precise cost estimation and minimizes wastage, promoting sustainability and transparency in energy usage.

Besides all that, smart metering for electricity facilitates its consumers with multiple benefits. Even though a few controversies are also associated with digital meter installation but not vigorous enough that it seems the safer side of using MEPCO smart meters for electricity.