Smart Meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the central
system; unlike home energy monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote
reporting. With the inception of electricity deregulation and market-driven
pricing, utilities have been looking for a means to match consumption with
generation. Smart meters provide a way of measuring site-specific information,
allowing utility companies to introduce different prices for consumption based
on the time of day and the season.
Supply and
Demand Integration
Data Management a critical element for smart meter systems is
information technology at the utility that integrates networks with utility
applications such as billing and customer service.
Historic Development of the
Electric Grid the
first alternating current power grid system was installed in 1886 as a
centralized unidirectional system of electric power transmission and
distribution. During the 20th century, local grids were
interconnected for economy and reliability; power stations were strategically located
close to fossil fuel sources, railroad, highways or ports. The 21st
century is characterized by smart grid deployments, electronic communication
technology, the application of alternative renewable energy sources and a
de-emphasis on large, centralized power stations.
Digital Metering and Smart Grids are full ecosystems with multiple technologies
characterized by: usage by time, outages in real-time, remote disconnection, detection
of electricity fraud, automated billing and contract management, demand side management,
distributed generation management.
Advanced
Metering and Grids Infrastructures the evolution of the network is
instrumental for the wide diffusion and high penetration of renewable energy
sources and the implementation of energy saving measures, hence to the
reduction of CO2 gas emissions.
Smart Grids
Enable and Presume Active Consumer Participation
ESCo is
an energy and water service/savings company that provides design,
implementation and financing of energy/water saving projects, retrofitting,
conservation, infrastructure outsourcing, power generation and supply, as well
as risk management.
Smart
Metering Benefits
Client
Management flexible and tariffs, bad credit management and
consumption patterns data.
Cost
Efficiency and Loss Reductions no field teams for meter reading and
disconnections.
Value
Added Services bidirectional metering, remote curtailment,
automation and smart appliances.
Smart Metering:
65% Energy Efficiency Improvements 25% more Micro Generation