Smart electricity meters: a useful and convenient device

To take readings from the device, you need to approach it, but if you install modern smart electricity meters, you can do this remotely. This is very convenient, because in this case you can take readings and pay for electricity using the Internet. The legal framework for smart meters is constantly changing and improving. Therefore, in this publication, we will familiarize ourselves with the basic information regarding these smart devices.

New technologies make smart meter data available in electronic form

Smart electricity meters: what it is

Smart electricity meters automatically take readings and transfer the information received to special payment systems. This is very convenient, because it allows you to save the most valuable thing - time. And that is not all. These devices make it possible to make the process of calculating payments for received utilities more transparent.

Unlike the old type, the remote reading meter must be permanently connected to the network

In addition, automatic meter reading prevents errors or deliberate false information about the resources used. Thanks to this, savings occur. With smart meters, users will only pay for the amount of electricity actually consumed, even if the readings were not submitted on time. Instruments are often located behind tiles, under sinks, or below eye level, making it particularly enjoyable to view data from the device using a computer or mobile phone.

Modern smart light meters measure data more accurately and in more detail. The indicators are taken remotely using a special device, which is responsible for sending information to service companies. In addition, the great advantage of such devices is that they are able to determine when they have been interfered with, and also report a breakdown or error.

How much a smart meter costs depends on a specific set of functions and on average varies from 3 to 12 thousand rubles. According to the law on the installation of smart electricity meters, ordinary people do not need to change devices on their own without fail.Replacement will be carried out by service companies after the device fails or at the date of inspection.

Once a day, the meter transmits data on the consumed volumes of electricity to the grid company

Useful advice! The network company should install a new device instead of a broken meter within 3-6 months. If this is not done on time, then payments for the used electricity will be charged according to the average consumption.

Smart electricity meters: how they work appliances

At this time, a smart meter is considered to be a special automated device that is designed to collect data on the amount of gas, electricity and water used. Smart meters transmit all data to special companies approximately once an hour.

Since the payment for electricity, gas and water is constantly growing, such automated devices are very popular among the population. The devices have become an integral part of new homes and renovated buildings.

Switching to smart electricity meters brings many benefits, including practicality, benefits, and also allows you to monitor consumers and figure out unscrupulous people.

In addition to transmitting data on the amount of energy consumed, such a meter gives a signal to electricity supplier companies about a break-in or malfunction.

The smart device consists of two parts: the meter itself and the controller, which is responsible for transmitting information to the worldwide network. There are several options for installing the controller. One of them is the installation of the transmitting unit in the meter body. This option is quite expensive and not very convenient, therefore it is used extremely rarely.

It is much more profitable when the controller and the counter are two different devices. The thing is that there can be several devices in the house, for example, controlling the consumption of water, electricity and gas. Then all meters in the apartment can be connected to an external multi-input controller. The main requirement for devices is as follows: they must be equipped with a pulse output through which the connection to the controller is made.

Servers for collecting and storing user readings are located in special data centers. This makes it possible to view the readings using a computer, tablet and even a phone.

Useful advice! To see information about the meter readings, you need to go to your personal account. Almost every manufacturer has a mobile application that allows you to analyze data, and also reports on emergency situations.

The "smart" meter also provides differentiated metering of consumed electricity depending on the time of day

Intellectual light counters: types of controllers and data transfer mechanism

The controller transfers data using wired and wireless technologies, as well as a combined method. The most modern, simple and inexpensive way to transfer data is a wireless controller. The process is carried out using one of the following technologies:

1. GPRS - the connection is made through a regular SIM card, which must be constantly replenished, like a mobile one. In this case, information is transmitted to the server via a public cellular network. Having chosen this technology, it is very important to take into account the quality of communication of one or another network operator, because even now there are places where no mobile network is available.
2. LPWAN is a technology very similar to GPRS, but less power-hungry. To transfer data using this technology, suppliers in the region set up their own special tower, which is designed to connect controllers with a server, which is not very convenient and quite expensive. In addition, this technology is usually used for the whole house, which means that the consumer will not have a choice.
3. Wi-Fi - this technology combines the advantages of the previous two. Thanks to their low power consumption, the controllers can safely operate on batteries. The technology is cheap, convenient and reliable.

The principle of remote collection of readings from an electricity meter

The choice of a smart meter is primarily a choice of the way the controller works. In the event that it is planned to build up a block with high-rise buildings, to automate an agricultural or industrial enterprise, then LPWAN technology is better suited. GPRS controllers are recommended for homes that are far from modern technology. For people who spend most of their lives online, it is better to choose Wi-Fi controllers.

It is interesting! At this time in Europe, many activists are in favor of abolishing the installation of smart meters. The main danger for the consumer's wallet is that such devices can be hacked by hackers. There are also a lot of complaints in European countries about the significant increase in bills after the supplier companies have performed a system reconfiguration.

Advantages and disadvantages electricity meters with remote reading

The installation of smart meters is expected to save 30% in payments. During operation, a large number of nuances emerge. Let's first look at the clear benefits of smart appliances:

• comfortable use. Installing smart electricity meters makes life easier, as readings will be automatically sent to the appropriate companies. The user is only required to pay on time;

Thanks to smart meters, you can restrict the flow of electricity or completely stop its supply to persistent defaulters

• savings are possible by preventing possible theft. You won't be able to cheat with a new device. The consumer will pay strictly for the resources used, any option of theft of electricity is excluded;
• there is an opportunity to switch to using a more profitable multi-tariff payment system;
• supplying organizations will be able to quickly control resource consumption separately in each apartment and in the whole house. This will allow you to put things in order with the help of an automated system;
• smart meters for electricity help to save on the number of personnel in management companies, since there is no need to go to apartments and houses of residents and collect information.

Installation of modern electricity meters has its drawbacks:

• these devices have a high price, but at the moment it is not necessary to change the meters yourself;
• like any electronic device, the device requires a stable and high-quality power supply without voltage surges, otherwise it will break;
• it is necessary to provide access to the device for controlling persons - many have doubts: whether outsiders will try to interfere with the operation of the device and change the readings;
• it is required to provide stable Internet coverage of large areas for the smooth operation of controllers;

The main advantage of smart meters is that they reduce the time for collecting data readings

• we need workers who control the operation of modems, which can periodically freeze and require a reboot;
• since the number of IP addresses will increase significantly, it is necessary to provide several powerful servers for storing information;
• all information is now online, which means that it must be protected from hacker attacks;
• Despite all the advantages, it will take a long time for the installation of innovative meters to pay off.

Legislation on smart electricity meters

On December 19, 2018, in the third reading, the State Duma adopted a law on "smart meters", which provides for the rapid development of intelligent electricity metering systems in Russia. The bill is constantly being improved in the form of amendments.

The text of the law on smart electricity meters states that, starting from July 1, 2020, as the old electricity meters fail, they will be replaced with smart metering devices. According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, ordinary electricity meters must be installed by the consumers themselves.

The consumer is not responsible for the purchase, installation and maintenance of the smart meter

Without fail, smart devices will be commissioned from 2021. Their installation, replacement, adjustment, testing is the work of suppliers and network companies. Only large companies and enterprises will have to deal with the independent replacement of conventional meters with smart devices.

The consumer is not responsible for the purchase, installation and further maintenance of the meter. Only in this case, the consumer is obliged to monitor the integrity of the device if the metering device is located indoors or within its own land plot.

It is interesting! Smart meters will divide the day into parts, each of which will have its own tariff. In this case, Russians will be able to distribute the use of household electrical appliances in such a way that their work falls on a time when electricity is cheaper.

Compliance with all provisions of the law will improve the quality of supplied energy, increase the reliability of supply and increase energy savings

Smart Meters Act electricity metering: a few interesting points

The cost of smart appliances is very high. Where does the finance for their bulk purchase come from? The law states that sales organizations will include these costs in the tariff. Entrepreneurs and businesses will be equipped with instruments from the future savings that are expected after the launch of the system. There is no final decision as to which energy meters will be used. Most likely, these will be domestically produced devices.

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The price of a smart meter is about 12 thousand rubles. The exact cost is still unknown, as the Ministry has not yet decided on the set of requirements for the device. In addition, some models of already installed simple meters can be improved using special controllers.

The law on smart electricity meters provides for penalties applied to persistent debtors - remote disconnection from the network. The law has the following norm: if from the first day of 2023 the device has not been replaced with a new smart device, then a fine is levied from the supplier of last resort. In the event that the sales organization did not eliminate the comments, the subscriber is completely exempted from paying for the consumed electricity. This norm is provided for the purpose of stimulating the installation of smart electricity meters.

A smart meter costs about 12-15 thousand rubles

It is believed that this law is the beginning of high-quality accounting, which will increase the discipline of payment in large enterprises, and for ordinary citizens will reduce costs.

An interesting moment! Currently, there are at least 300 types of meters of different production periods. Despite the variety, they do not meet the minimum needs of an intelligent electricity metering system.

Like when will smart electricity meters be installed

Since 2019, smart meters will appear in the lives of ordinary people. The main task of smart devices is to establish the most reliable and accurate accounting of resource consumption, to simplify the payment process for users, and also to calculate unscrupulous consumers.

The installation of intelligent systems will not hit the consumer's pocket, since the replacement of electricity meters is free. Statistical data claim that about half a million of such devices have already been installed on the territory of the Russian Federation. It is also planned that by 2024, 95% of citizens will use the new smart meters. At this time, anyone can voluntarily install a modern metering device.

New meters will become mandatory in Russia in two years

It is interesting! It is assumed that initially 1.5-2 thousand rubles will be included in the payment for energy services for the installation of modern smart meters. In the future, every month it will be necessary to pay only for the maintenance of the device. At this time, everything happens in this way: an employee of the company inspects the device and, if a problem is found, issues an invoice for the replacement of parts. After installing the smart meter, everything will be different. If the device fails for an unknown reason, then the service company will perform an absolutely free replacement.

Electricity meters with remote control: what it is?

Many consumers of electricity, choosing a meter, are guided by the financial side of this issue. One of the options is to purchase a metering device for used electricity with a remote control.

In terms of its tasks, this device is no different from other meters, only a remote control is attached to it. If desired, by pressing a button on the remote control, you can turn off the device so that it stops keeping track of the consumed electricity, and then turn it on. The manufacturers describe everything very colorfully. However, not everything is so cloudless. In fact, a smart electricity meter with a remote control is a high-quality fake of an ordinary device.

If desired, by pressing the button, you can turn off the device so that it stops counting readings

Although the manufacturers promise that the device is equipped with all state seals, protective holograms and does not differ in appearance from standard models, if the device is found, the owner will be fined. Experienced electricians can easily recognize a fake and punish the consumer for illegal actions and deception of the state. In addition, the service life of the remote control is short - only a few months.

Another significant disadvantage of the device is that the price of a smart electricity meter with a remote control is rather big. Although device manufacturers claim that all parts of the device are factory-made and of high quality, the cost does not pay off all its disadvantages. It is much more profitable to save by legal methods, for example, you can purchase a multi-tariff device.

Useful advice! You should not buy such meters on the Internet at a very low price. Most likely, the device is equipped with a low-quality radio relay and may not pass the test successfully. And this promises a huge fine.

Devices with a remote control are sealed, they have tags

Smart electricity meters: prices and features

The devices are not always installed in such a way that it is convenient to approach them. Special counters will come to the rescue, which allow you to remotely view information about the resources used and pay for them without leaving your home or office.

The following factors affect how much a smart electricity meter costs:

• the price of the electricity meter itself;
• the cost of the controller, which is responsible for collecting and transmitting data from the device.

Also, the brand, the accuracy class of the device and the type of network voltage affect the formation of the price of the electricity meter. You can save money by installing one controller for several apartments. If metering devices are assembled on a common panel, then it is beneficial for residents to use one controller, thereby reducing the financial burden on payment for those living in each individual apartment.

The cost of smart electricity meters in 2019 is approximately at least 3300 rubles

You can buy a smart electricity meter both in a regular and online store. You can order the installation and configuration of the remote metering device or replace the electricity meter yourself. The price for a turnkey installation is 4-7 thousand rubles. It all depends on the type of meter and controller. Installation without settings will cost less - 2-3 thousand rubles.

Regular counters cost from 600 to 1000 rubles. The price of 600-800 rubles is typical for devices that cannot become "smart", that is, you can take readings from the device only from the scoreboard. Starting from 800 rubles, you can purchase automated devices with a pulse output, which can "grow smarter" with a controller.

The cost of controllers ranges from 3 thousand to 10 thousand rubles.

Useful advice! If you wish, you can find a counter and a controller at a price higher or lower than the indicated figures, the main thing is to have a desire. Too low a cost should raise doubts about the quality of the device. If the price is high, then this must be justified.

It will be slightly more expensive to buy a smart meter in a regular store than when ordering directly from the manufacturer's website

Very soon, artificial intelligence will monitor the consumption of electricity, water, gas and other resources by the population of the Russian Federation. The process of introducing smart meter technology is already in full swing. In addition, power engineers install a smart electricity meter on a pole for unhindered access to employees.

This system makes it possible to reduce electricity losses due to the ability to remotely disconnect the debtor from the general network. To do this, you don't even need to seal the electricity meters, just press a special button on the server. The bill, signed last year, stipulates that consumers will not spend a single ruble on installing a modern appliance.