The Future of Metering and Electricity as a Whole
Deeper Understanding of Smart Meters
Smart meters are electronic meters that are used to measure and track the consumption of electricity, gas, or water that provide in depth data for analysation. They differ from traditional meters in that they are able to communicate with the utility company and provide real-time data about usage. This allows energy companies to more accurately bill customers for their energy usage and to better understand and manage their energy demand. Most of the time the meters will come with an online portal or an in-house display where customers or tenants can pay their bill accordingly.
One of the main advantages of smart meters is their ability to measure and track electricity usage in real-time, rather than relying on periodic readings by a manual meter reader. This can help to improve accuracy and reduce the need for estimated billing and eradicate the need for site visits to take physical meter readings. Smart meters can also be remotely accessed and controlled by the utility company, which makes it easier to disconnect and reconnect service as needed.
In addition to these benefits, smart meters can also help to improve energy efficiency by providing detailed feedback to consumers about their energy usage and where they could save by turning appliances off as well as being able to flag up certain appliance that are past their best and are now using excessive energy. This can help consumers to better understand their energy consumption and make changes to reduce their energy usage such as purchase new appliances like refrigerators, toasters, kettles, etc. Smart meters can also be used to help utilities better manage their energy demand by providing them with more accurate and up-to-date information about energy usage patterns.
Overall, it is expected that the use of smart meters will continue to grow in the coming years and eventually replace all existing meters that do not have Smart Meter Capabilities. As more and more people adopt this technology in order to reduce the carbon footprint, the metering world continues to innovate its technology and improve its available product line.
What Else Will Change?
Housing electrics will also change in a number of ways, as advances in technology and a growing focus on sustainability drive the development of new products and practices. Some of the ways that the use of electricity in housing is changing include:
- Increasing use of renewable energy sources: There is a growing trend towards the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to generate electricity for homes.
- Introduction of smart home technology: Smart home technology is becoming more common, with products like smart thermostats, smart lighting, and smart appliances that can be controlled and monitored remotely using a smart meter app (via the Smart Meter)
- Development of electric vehicles: The adoption of electric vehicles is increasing, and this is leading to the development of charging infrastructure for homes and communities. Some Electric Vehicle Chargers have the option to give energy back from the vehicle to the property in the event of a power cut.
- Increasing focus on energy efficiency: There is a growing focus on energy efficiency in housing, with the development of products and practices designed to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.
- Introduction of microgrids: Microgrids, which are small-scale energy systems that can operate independently of the larger grid, are becoming more common in residential communities.
Overall, these and other changes are helping to transform the way that electricity is used in housing, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and the use of advanced technologies.
