Smart meter

Online recorder of utility usage

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Not to be confused with Home energy monitor

A Smart Meter is an electronic device that records information about energy consumption, voltage levels, current, and power factor. It communicates this data to consumers and electricity providers. Unlike automatic meter reading (AMR), smart meters facilitate two-way communication between the meter and the provider.

Description

The term smart meter usually refers to electricity meters but can also apply to devices measuring gas, water, or heating consumption. These smart meters provide real-time or near real-time data to both consumers and electricity providers. They allow for better tracking of consumption patterns and support system monitoring and billing. They form part of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), which allows for two-way communication unlike traditional automatic meter reading (AMR) systems.

Communication from these meters can be wireless or wired. Common wireless options include cellular, Wi-Fi, wireless ad hoc networks, and low power long-range wireless (LoRa) among others. Historically, interval and time-of-use meters have been used to measure commercial and industrial consumption, but they lack automatic reading capabilities. Research in the UK revealed that one in three people confuse smart meters with energy monitors, also known as in-home display monitors.

History

In 1972, Theodore Paraskevakos, working with Boeing in Alabama, developed a sensor monitoring system with digital transmission capabilities, which laid the foundation for modern smart meters. He was awarded a U.S. patent for his work in 1974 and founded Metretek, Inc. in 1977, which developed and produced the first smart meters.

By the end of 2008, Europe had around 39 million smart meters installed. Globally, smart meter shipments reached 17.4 million units in the first quarter of 2011. By 2018, the European Union had over 99 million smart meters installed, with expectations of reaching 266 million by 2030. In the U.S., over 86 million meters were installed by the end of 2018. Worldwide, smart meter installations were projected to generate $20 billion in revenue by 2022.

Purpose

With the advent of electricity deregulation and market-driven pricing, utilities sought ways to match consumption with generation. Traditional meters track only total consumption without temporal details. Smart meters provide near real-time data, allowing utilities to charge different rates based on time and season, improving cash flow models. Remote reading also reduces labor costs.

For consumers, smart meters eliminate estimated bills and help manage energy use and costs more efficiently. For water consumption, they can detect usage details and potential leaks. Billing at higher rates during peak times encourages consumers to adjust their habits, potentially delaying new generation facility construction.

Academic Findings

Academic studies indicate that real-time feedback can reduce electricity consumption by 3-5%. Utilities benefit from real-time system monitoring and better planning to meet customer needs with fewer infrastructure investments.

Smart meters play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, aiding in the decarbonization of the energy system.

Technology

Connectivity

Reliable and secure communication is a critical requirement for smart meters. Solutions include cellular networks, satellite, licensed and unlicensed radio, and power line communication. Network configurations may involve fixed wireless, wireless mesh, or ad hoc networks.

Smart meters also form part of a Home Area Network (HAN), interfacing with in-premises devices. Technologies for HAN vary but include power line communication and Zigbee.

Protocols

Several protocols are used for smart meter communications, such as ANSI C12.18 for North American markets and IEC 61107 in Europe. The Open Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP) is widely adopted for smart grid applications. Increasingly, TCP/IP technology is becoming common for smart meter applications.

Data Management

Integrating smart meter networks with utility applications is crucial. This includes Meter Data Management systems, and compatibility with various PLC technologies for HAN is essential. A universal metering interface allows for mass production and global applicability despite varying regional standards.

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Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) encompasses systems that measure, collect, and analyze energy usage, with capabilities for two-way communication with meters such as electricity, gas, heat, and water meters.

AMI enables detailed monitoring and customer billing, supporting various smart grid applications like time-based pricing and demand response actions.

Opposition and Concerns

Concerns about smart meters include costs, health risks, privacy, and security. Some fear the remote controllable "kill switch" could be misused. Attorney General of Connecticut raised concerns about the benefits not justifying the costs for consumers.

Security

Smart meters could expose the power grid to cyberattacks, leading to potential blackouts. Nonetheless, the EU's Cybersecurity Act of 2019 and the U.S. Department of Energy's guidelines aim to address these issues. Enhanced security protocols for meters, such as IEC 62056, are in place to mitigate risks.

Health

Health concerns stem from the radiofrequency (RF) radiation of wireless smart meters. Studies, however, indicate that RF exposure from smart meters is far lower than from cell phones and microwave ovens. Regulatory bodies like the FCC have established safe exposure limits to RF emissions.

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Safety

Reports of smart meters causing fires have emerged, particularly with models from certain manufacturers like Sensus. Companies have taken action to replace these units. Instances in the US and Canada led to program halts and meter replacements.

Privacy Concerns

Frequent data transmission by smart meters can enable utilities to infer occupant behaviors, raising privacy issues. Solutions to protect privacy include dynamic interval adaptation and energy storage.

Smart meter data has been misused by law enforcement for surveillance, highlighting significant privacy concerns.

Opt-Out Options

Some regions offer opt-out programs for residents. For instance, Hawaii and Maine provided options to avoid smart meter installations, although fees might apply.

Limited Benefits

Studies and real-world implementations have shown mixed results on the benefits of smart meters. Some analyses indicate minimal savings or usage reduction, questioning the value of large-scale rollouts.

Erratic Demand

While smart meters could theoretically balance power consumption, research suggests they might amplify demand fluctuations in some scenarios.

Media Coverage

The documentary "Take Back Your Power" covers various concerns about smart meters, including health, legal, and economic issues. The film has won several awards.

UK Roll-Out Criticism

Criticism in the UK includes concerns about rushed implementation and costs. Issues like poor mobile network coverage, which smart meters rely on, have hindered the rollout.