Smart meters provide a wealth of information for utilities companies about customers' use of their services. These meters don't simply record information in terms of kilowatt-hours used; they also provide an excellent overview of exactly what kind of draw the occupants of a structure make on their utilities. This means that gas and electricity data can be used by companies to optimize flow or transmission levels far more precisely than in the past. The new devices are not without flaws, however; issues raised so far have included installation problems, data storage concerns, and information errors.
According to reports from the Edison Foundation, smart meters provide one billion points of data per day. Forty-six million meters actively monitor information in many different areas. Due to the machines' high sensitivity, installation errors can cause them to read information incorrectly or even prevent them from making any readings at all. Some gas meters fail to record information due to jarring of internal magnets during installation, which prevents accurate readings from being taken. Meters meant to monitor electricity use in businesses record data each quarter of an hour, while residential versions only take hourly measurements. Installation of the wrong type of meter can therefore confuse systems and result in serious billing issues.
The sheer volume of information provided to utilities companies goes far beyond that needed for power management optimization. Many companies are currently unsure what to do with the extra information and are simply focusing on the measurement capabilities of the units with analysis for optimal delivery. In the future, the additional available data may provide useful insights into the habits and activities of customers, but many currently deployed units will require software updates to provide greater storage capacity between uploads.
The advanced technology used in smart meters requires careful monitoring. Incorrect measurements can result in customers being overcharged or in companies providing inadequate resources to homes or businesses. Accuracy is vital when using the machines for power management, and faulty units must be replaced as quickly as possible. Because the devices upload information to transceivers in the network, it is possible that they may fail to communicate correctly with transceiver nodes. This could result in unreported use or inaccurate data. This issue is compounded when signals must pass through multiple transceivers between the smart meters and utilities companies. Companies may issue estimated bills in such cases.
The deployment of smart meters is not without issues, but smart management and close attention to detail can help alleviate many of these problems. Extra care during the installation process can help companies avoid common problems, while software updates and robust storage policies offer a possible solution for data storage concerns. Network troubleshooting needs to be addressed as soon as issues arise, and estimated billing may offer a short-term solution for problems that are due to be fixed. Smart meters may well represent the future of the industry, and a focus on accurate initial deployment could provide an edge for savvy business owners and workers.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
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