The early days
Early electricity meters were simple devices made specifically to track the amount of electricity consumed by households and businesses. These analog meters, which first appeared in the end of 19th century, required manual readings by utility workers, a process that was time-consuming and prone to human error. The lack of real-time data meant that consumers had little visibility into their usage patterns, leading to wasteful energy use and inconsistent billing. The first major advancement in metering technology came with the development of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems in the late 20th century. These devices allowed utilities to remotely collect consumption data without requiring manual meter readings, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. However, AMR systems still had limitations, as they provided only periodic data rather than continuous monitoring. They were able to store consumption data and provide more detailed insights into energy usage patterns, laying the groundwork for more sophisticated metering solutions.
The rise of smart meters
The true revolution in metering came with the introduction of smart meters in the early 21st century, which not only measured energy consumption but also enabled two-way communication between the meter and the utility company. Unlike AMR systems, AMI-enabled smart meters could collect and transmit real-time data, allowing utilities and consumers to monitor energy usage in great detail. This real-time communication facilitated more accurate billing, reduced losses due to energy theft, and enabled demand-response programs to manage peak loads more effectively. […]
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