A person holding a smart meter

What are smart meters?

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What are smart or digital meters?

Smart power meters are an essential tool for promoting responsible consumption and maximizing energy efficiency in every household. 

These devices represent a key element in the energy transition, which aims to transform the sector towards a smarter and more sustainable model. The new power meters are integrated into smart grids, which are smart electricity grids that use digital technology to optimize electricity generation and its eventual distribution and consumption.

Smart power meters are devices that measure a household's electricity consumption. Unlike traditional analog power meters, it incorporates new communication features that lead to a more fluid interaction between consumers and energy suppliers.

These smart meters allow data to be collected, transmitted, and analyzed in a more efficient way. This information can be used to identify consumption patterns, detect problems in the power grid, and provide users with detailed reports on their energy consumption. Ultimately, digital power meters promote energy efficiency, savings, and the adoption of more sustainable habits.

Two smart power meters

What are smart power meters used for?

Smart meters offer multiple advantages to consumers. The main uses in the household are:

 
  1. Measurement: A digital power meter performs automatic and remote recording, so the user doesn't have to provide the monthly reading to the electric company.
  2. Control: Measurement is more accurate. With the new power meters, estimates are avoided, and possible billing errors are avoided. 
  3. Management: Users know exactly the kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed at any given time of the day. With this information, they can make better decisions regarding their consumption habits and use the least amount of energy resources.
  4. Cost: By knowing exactly how much electricity costs and the amount being consumed, individuals can choose the rate that best suits their needs to save even more on their electricity bill.
  5. Detection: A smart power meter can autonomously detect and report any issues. As a result, the electricity company can then take the appropriate measures to solve the problem quickly.
A person plugging in solar panel wires

Do you need to change your smart meter if you install solar panels?

Most smart meters are bi-directional, which means that they have the ability to measure and record both the energy consumed and the energy generated and returned to the grid. This means that usually there's no need to replace it. However, even if it's bi-directional, it may require adjusting the meter's configuration to record the surplus energy that is fed back into the grid. If necessary, the distribution company would be responsible for making the appropriate modifications.