Understanding Smart Meters

Joshua Chadwick By Joshua Chadwick September 20th

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We all hear about the greatest advancements in the modern era, but one in development in the energy field that doesn’t get mentioned enough is smart meters (no, we’re not talking about meters with thick glasses on their head).

There’s a reason why the homes and businesses of Victoria have already opted for these clever pieces of tech, so what is the reason exactly to move from the current meter to the new meter technology?

In this article, we’ll dissect everything there is to know about smart meters, from energy use, meter readings, rollout and how they’re an improvement from the old electricity meters.

For more information on electricity meters, check out our article about them here!

What Is A Smart Meter?

Smart meters (or advanced meters to some) are devices that measure your energy usage (electricity usage) digitally. This is measured per kWh every 30 minutes, which is then sent back to your electricity distributor which will be tallied up with your monthly electricity bill.

Through this digital meter, the need for a meter reader to enter the premises to manually read the usage data is cut out, as the pricing and usage are all measured online.

Additional benefits the smart meter has over traditional meters are the ability to remotely switch the electricity supply on or off without involving a metering service, as well as measuring power quality and alerting the electricity retailer about power outages.

Why Use A Smart Meter?

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, smart meters provide an overall benefit of flexibility, allowing you to take control of your electricity use and look at your energy bills before the statement arises at the end of the month.

This extra control includes a more detailed view of information about your regular energy use, which can be used to gain a better understanding of your usage per minute intervals and adjust accordingly. The adjustment could be anything from easing up on your energy consumption during off-peak hours or even shopping around suppliers to get the best electricity pricing in your area.

Speaking of suppliers, energy retailers will then be able to offer more innovative products and services with a new smart meter installed. These services can include energy management apps that allow an in-home display of your energy consumption, and online access to real-time information about your usage patterns.

The additional smart meter data also allows energy distributors to detect outages in the area, allowing the distributor to minimise the time and number of supply outages, as well as adjust your estimated bill to a lesser degree due to these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you install a smart meter?

Do I have to get a smart meter?

Are smart meters safe?

Will my power turn off during installation?

Does a smart meter invade my privacy?

Are smart meters expensive?

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Joshua Chadwick
Joshua Chadwick
SENIOR EDITOR