By Francois Conradie, Technology Sales Engineer, Remote Metering Solutions (RMS)
In 1972, Theodore Paraskevakos, a Greek-American inventor and businessman, developed
the first smart meters while collaborating with Boeing in Huntsville, Alabama. He adapted
technology from his patented caller ID system to monitor sensors and relay data.
Since then, smart meters have evolved significantly. They now facilitate two-way
communication and record data such as electric energy consumption, voltage levels,
current, and power factor between the meter and electricity suppliers. This capability
provides real-time or near real-time data, improving effectiveness and accuracy in energy
consumption monitoring, system management, and customer billing for residential and
commercial properties.
These digital devices continue to replace traditional meters in response to growing
concerns over energy consumption and efficiency. Unlike analogue meters which require
manual readings by meter readers, smart meters deliver precise and up-to-date
consumption information, enabling utilities and consumers to monitor and manage
energy usage more efficiently.
By the end of 2023, smart device installations surpassed 1.06-billion , a significant
milestone in advancing digitalised and efficient utility services around the globe.
According to IoT Analytics’ recently updated Global Smart Meter Market Tracker
2020–2030, North America leads with a 77% penetration rate, reflecting market maturity.
As Governments increasingly recognise the need to update ageing grid infrastructure
and actively engage smart grid stakeholders, we have seen the development of
regulatory policies and other manifestos driving the adoption of smart meters. Initiatives
like the World Green Building Council’s Africa Manifesto For Sustainable Cities & The Built
Environment advocate integrating smart grid technologies to enhance energy
infrastructure efficiency, among other goals.
Implementing smart meters as part of the smart grid system offers many benefits to
consumers and service providers (utility companies). Yet it’s faced wide resistance in
many countries, and smart meter adoption remains in its infancy in Latin America, South
Asia, and several African countries, including South Africa.
A South African study identified several consumer-centric factors relevant to local
consumers’ resistance. These include trust in technology, cost, and ease of use, which
could influence how consumers perceive and adopt smart meter technology in our
country.
Efforts are being made to improve the local grid infrastructure and enhance energy
efficiency through smart metering systems. South Africa’s Smart Grid Vision 2030 propels
the nation towards a future where smart utility readiness is a tangible reality.
Despite the varied pace of adoption across the globe, the collective movement towards
smart meters signifies a global shift towards building a modernised electrical grid system,
using digital technology to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of
electricity usage distribution.
Smart metering revolutionises how utilities and consumers interact with energy
resources. Compared to traditional metering, smart meters are integral to modern utility
infrastructure, offering:
- Accurate consumer billing based on actual, real-time usage data.
- The implementation of demand response programmes for understanding usage
patterns, and balancing supply and demand. - Real-time data collection and analysis for informed energy-related decisions and cost savings on actual usage.
- Remote data transmission that eliminates the need for physical meter readings,
enabling remote monitoring. - Enhanced grid management capabilities and shorter or reduced outage times.
- The promotion of sustainability through energy conservation and efficiency practices.
From a commercial perspective, businesses and industries benefit from significant cost
savings and reduced carbon footprints by optimising energy consumption using real-
time data feedback.
Beyond utility providers and businesses, smart metering also has a societal impact on
individual consumers. It empowers households to monitor and control their energy consumption in real time, fostering a culture of energy awareness and responsibility. This contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle and supports broader environmental conservation efforts.
As sustainability gains prominence, smart metering not only emerges as a technological advancement but also as a vital tool for efficient utility management, sustainable practices, and proactive maintenance.
With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data, we’re in a new era for residential and commercial energy management. The future of energy monitoring technology holds exciting possibilities, such as the potential to communicate with other gadgets throughout the home, via the Internet of Things (IoT), finding savings for consumers without them even noticing.
Smart metering paves the way toward considerate and responsible energy use, optimal
infrastructure maintenance, and minimised environmental impact, heralding a future of
smarter, greener, and more resilient communities worldwide.
