What Are Smart Meters?
Smart meters are electronic devices that measure and record energy use in real-time. They have been gaining in popularity as a way to help people conserve energy and save money.
However, there are some pros and cons to using smart meters. You should be aware of them before making a decision about whether or not to get one installed in your home.
Let's take a closer look at what smart meters are and what they can do for you.
Smart meters are the next big thing in energy efficiency. But what exactly are they, and what are the pros and cons of having them installed in your home? Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about smart meters.
Functions of Smart Meters
Smart meters are digital devices that measure and track energy usage in real-time. They relay this information back to your utility company. In this way, you can see how much energy you're using (and consequently, how much it's costing you).
Smart meters have been shown to be more accurate than traditional analog meters. They can help consumers save money on their energy bills. However, there are some potential downsides to having a smart meter in your home.
For example, some people worry about the privacy implications of having their energy use monitored 24/7. Others express concerns about the health effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted by smart meters.
And finally, there is always the possibility that something could go wrong with the technology! After all, it is still relatively new.
So overall, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to get a smart meter installed in your home.
Pros of Smart Meters
More Efficient
Smart meters are more efficient than traditional meters. They allow for two-way communication between the customer and the utility company.
This means that customers can receive real-time information about their energy usage, and tips on how to reduce their consumption. Additionally, smart meters provide utilities with information that can help them to improve their overall efficiency.
More Accurate
Smart meters are also more accurate than traditional meters, as they use digital technology to measure energy consumption. This means that there is no need for estimated bills, which can often be inaccurate.
Additionally, smart meters can help to identify potential problems with a customer’s electrical system. These include a faulty appliance, that may be causing higher than normal energy usage.
Save Money
Because smart meters are more efficient and accurate than traditional meters. They can help customers to save money on their energy bills.
Additionally, customers who have smart meters are typically able to take advantage of time-of-use pricing, which is a pricing structure that charges different rates for electricity based on the time of day it is used.
Time-of-use pricing can help customers to further reduce their energy costs by shifting their consumption to off-peak hours when rates are lower.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Smart meters can also help to reduce a customer’s environmental impact as they allow for the tracking of energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
This information can then be used to make changes that will help to reduce emissions. This includes switching to energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels.
Additionally, some utility companies offer programs that allow customers with smart meters to receive payments for reducing their energy usage during peak demand periods.
Improve Safety
Another benefit of smart meters is that they can improve safety by providing utilities with information about power outages and potential hazards, such as downed power lines. This information can then be used to dispatch crews more quickly and efficiently in order to restore power or fix the hazard.
Additionally, smart meters equipped with remote disconnect capabilities can help to prevent dangerous situations by allowing utilities to remotely shut off power to a customer’s home in the event of an emergency
Cons of Smart Meters
Health Risks
One of the primary concerns about smart meters is that they emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR). EMR is a type of energy that is emitted by electrical devices, and it has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, fatigue, headaches, and insomnia.
While the exact level of EMR emission by smart meters is relatively low. Some people are concerned that long-term exposure could be harmful.
Privacy Concerns
Another concern about smart meters is that they could violate our privacy. Smart meters collect data about our energy usage. Moreover, this data could potentially track our activities or even our location.
If this data were to fall into the wrong hands, it could be used for identity theft, marketing purposes, or even espionage.
Hacking Concerns
Another concern about smart meters is that hackers could hack it. Hackers could potentially gain access to the data collected by smart meters and use it for malicious purposes.
Additionally, hackers could also gain control of the meter itself and use it to disrupt the power grid or cause other problems.
Do I Need a Smart Meter in the UK?
At this time, only about 15% of households in the UK have a smart meter installed. However, the government has plans to install smart meters in all homes and businesses by the end of 2020. If you live in the UK, there is a good chance that you will eventually have a smart meter installed.
If you are thinking about getting a smart meter, you should first check with your energy supplier to see if they offer this service. Not all suppliers do, and some may charge a fee for the installation.
Additionally, you should make sure that you understand how the meter works and what data it will collect before you have it installed.
Conclusion
Smart meters can offer a variety of benefits, including helping customers to save money and reducing environmental impact. However, there are also some concerns about smart meters, including health risks, privacy concerns, and hacking risks.
If you live in the UK, it is likely that you will eventually have a smart meter installed. Before you have one installed, you should check with your energy supplier and make sure that you understand how the meter works and what data it will collect.
Also read: Why Is Wind Energy Unreliable?
