Measuring supply to customers.
WHAT SMART METERS DO
Record consumption at intervals Report remotely, without reading visits Support prepayment Enable remote disconnection, in some designs
WHAT THEY ENABLE FOR UTILITIES
Accurate billing without estimation Detection of theft and tampering Understanding of demand patterns Reduced collection cost
WHAT THEY ENABLE FOR CUSTOMERS
Visibility of consumption Prepayment without visiting a vendor Accurate bills
WHY THAT MATTERS HERE
Estimated billing is a longstanding source of dispute, and prepayment is widely preferred.
WHAT DEPLOYMENT DEMANDS
Devices in accessible locations, exposed to tampering Communication reaching every premises Integration with billing systems Handling of prepayment token delivery
WHAT TAMPER DETECTION MUST COVER
Opening the meter Bypassing it Magnetic interference Reversed connection
WHAT TO REPORT
Every tamper event, immediately.
WHAT REMOTE DISCONNECTION REQUIRES
Extreme care, given the consequence.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Strong authorisation, audit trails, and defined limits.
WHAT REGULATION GOVERNS
Metering accuracy, disconnection practice, and consumer protection. Take advice on your position.
