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You may wish to manage your energy consumption better so your electric bills do not get so high. Using smart meter technology is one way you can understand your energy consumption better.
This post is an energy meter guide that compares smart and traditional meters differences. Here, you can also read up on how smart meters work, how to get your energy usage information, and the benefits of using smart electric meters. Let's dive in!
How smart meters work
A smart meter measures electricity consumption and records it in regular intervals of half an hour at a minimum. They are also referred to as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
A helpful feature of smart meters is that they can automatically send meter readings to energy providers. As such, you do not need someone to visit your meter (as occurs with traditional meters). This also reduces the possibility of estimated readings.
How to get your energy usage information
There are several options for accessing energy costs and other real-time data regarding your energy consumption.
- Most electricity retailers provide online platforms and apps for checking energy usage. Simply go online if you have an online energy account.
- Use your in-home display to check the electricity usage information if you have one installed.
Smart meters vs. traditional meters
You may be unable to accurately weigh the pros and cons of smart meters vs traditional energy meters by appearance alone. The only difference is the digital display screen that replaces the dial of traditional meters.
However, you should opt for a smart meter instead of a traditional electric one for several reasons. Here are some smart and traditional meter comparisons to use as a basis.
Detailed information on electricity supply consumption
A traditional power meter usually records the amount of electricity that goes through it. As such, all you can learn about your electricity consumption is the energy usage since the last meter reading.
You need a meter reader to physically take a reading before you can know the amount of electricity you have consumed. On the other hand, smart meters measure energy consumption more accurately. You save money because your smart meter provides real-time information on your home's energy usage and costs.
Remote access and functions
Having your smart meter's electricity supply switched off remotely when necessary is possible. Besides, you can read smart meters remotely using an app. In the same way, energy companies can receive a constant stream of data without performing manual meter readings.
Quickly changing energy providers
After doing some research on electricity deals, you may discover electricity plans that suit you better. If you are using a traditional meter, you may need to wait up to three months (based on the meter reading schedule) before switching to electricity retailers. Smart meters can provide real-time data, so you do not need to wait as long.
Benefits of using smart electric meters
Read on for some advantages of using smart meters.
- There are no human errors or accessibility problems. As such, you do not get estimated bills because meter readers cannot access your property.
- There's no need for smart meters to be read manually. This automatically eliminates meter reading fees.
- You can easily disconnect and reconnect the energy supply when you move house.
- Your electricity distributor can quickly get notifications from smart meters when there are power issues.
- After studying your electricity consumption patterns, it's easier to adjust your energy usage.
- Smart meters have a flexible pricing plan that allows you to use appliances during off-peak hours to reduce electricity costs.
- You will better manage your finances since a smart meter provides more frequent and accurate energy billing.
Disadvantages of using smart meters
A possible health concern regarding using smart meters is the health issues arising from Electromagnetic Energy (EME). Smart meters emit low-level radio-frequency EMEs when sending meter readings to your electricity provider. However, the prestigious Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has not established any scientific evidence of such health effects.
In addition, smart readers can record information on the times and length of energy usage of home appliances. A possible breach of privacy may occur if third parties gain access to these detailed data.
Regarding privacy breaches, your metering data is reasonably protected from unauthorised access according to the National Electricity Rules and the Privacy Act 1988. Furthermore, smart meters often have several energy security features that help protect metering data and prevent unauthorised access.
How smart meters help with energy bills
A smart meter does not necessarily lower energy bills. Instead, you can use the real-time data from smart readers to be more energy efficient in your usage. For instance, you can track energy spending for different times throughout the year and plan your energy usage accordingly.
After that, you can take advantage of your smart meter's flexible energy pricing and billing plans. This involves charging you varying electricity prices or rates for electricity usage during peak, shoulder, and off-peak periods. These energy plans can help you maximise the energy savings from your smart meter.
Payment for energy meters
Your electricity distributor recovers the cost of your electricity meter over time when you pay your energy supplier. Your meter's installation and maintenance costs are recovered through your electricity bills.
Likewise, electricity infrastructure costs such as electric poles and wires are covered using this means. However, you should note that some regions do not allow you to relocate your current meter to another property, even if you paid for the smart meter installation yourself.
Charges for readings for type 4A meters
Type 4A meters are smart meters that do not transmit data remotely. Although they can record electricity usage, they must be read manually. These meter readings must occur at least once every year and come with a charge. Your energy retailer needs to inform you of the upfront costs and service charges for meter reads, which can vary depending on your address.
How to be more energy efficient with smart meters
- Be sure to get a flexible plan that fits your usage patterns. A smart meter can save you money through flexible or time-of-use plans.
- If your business has inflexible hours, you may be better off with flat-rate tariffs.
- Also, use the detailed information on your smart meter to find the best electricity deals for your consumption pattern.
- It is energy-saving and money-saving to prioritise energy-efficient appliances when making purchases. Only use high-energy appliances such as hot water heaters and pool heat pumps during off-peak times.
- You can use the energy usage information to decide what size of solar system or battery system to go for.
- The surplus energy grid feedback record from smart meters can be used to earn credits on your bill as feed-in tariffs.
- Choose a sound tariff system after your smart meter is installed. Residential customers may not enjoy overly complicated tariff systems such as demand tariffs.
Role of smart meters in solar energy installations
You may wonder whether you need a smart meter for solar panel installation. The short answer is yes. Your solar panels must be paired with a smart meter to support two-way electricity flows. This way, you can depend on your own solar electricity before using electricity from your retailer.
Moreover, the smart meter can measure any unused solar electricity fed back into the grid. As a result, you can earn a solar feed-in tariff for your solar export from your retailer. If your current meter is not smart, your retailer may install one for you as part of your contract.
General energy saving tips
In this era of increasing emphasis on climate change, there is a general focus on renewable energy and clean energy. The added advantage of buying into this is that these energy solutions can save you money while you help to reduce emissions.
Here are some energy-saving options for your home or commercial property:
Use of electric vehicles
This is a great way to reduce carbon emissions. You may decide to install EV charging points on your property as part of your plan to join the EV revolution.
Upgrading to 3-phase power
Larger homes tend to use a lot of charging points and large appliances. This includes large air conditioners, freezers, and cooktops. There is a need to ensure you save energy when using these appliances.
Commercial data centres also need to save energy. These are reasons to upgrade to 3-phase power. At the same time, you will be ensuring you can meet the electrical loads of these appliances.
Get help from electrical contractors
After considering the significant differences between smart and traditional meters, you may realise the need to upgrade your meter and install a solar system. To do this, you need the services of a professional electrical contractor. They can provide you with qualified meter installers who can install solar systems and provide you with a solar battery guide.
