With the roll-out plans to install smart meters in 80% of homes (goal of the European Union by 2020), new opportunities open for network operators, energy utilities and even for end consumers. Efficient technologies on the supply side, flexible tariffs, decentralization and feedback to consumers would be enabled through the smart metering technology. To assess the real benefits of implementing smart metering, serious consideration has to be given to the energy consumption of the metering devices themselves and of their related infrastructure. The ECODESIGN company GmbH is focusing on understanding this relevant issue by conducting the project “D-A-CH SMART METERING consumption” on behalf of the Austrian Ministry of Technology, Transport and Innovation and the Swiss Federal Agency of Energy. Key questions addressed in the project include:
- Which device and system characteristics are responsible for the energy consumption of the smart meters?
- What is the best available technology with regard to own energy consumption?
- How is it possible to estimate scenarios of energy consumption due to smart meters for localities and regions?
The ECODESIGN company is mapping the available smart meter technologies and intensively exchanging information with manufacturers and other stakeholders in the area of smart metering. Likewise, measurements are carried out for energy consumption of the meters under laboratory and field conditions from existing smart metering pilot projects in defined regions.
For further information visit see the website (in German) of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.
