Energy Meters: Intelligent Power Networks & Measurement Devices for more Energy Efficiency

Table of contents

1. Energy consumption: smart and secure measurement
2. How do smart meters work?
3. Smart grids: Intelligent electricity networks
4. Digitization of the energy transition through smart metering

Protecting the environment and saving money on top of that: a noble goal in times of energy crises and inflation. Especially in terms of electricity consumption, companies must expect additional costs this year and perhaps in the near future. And due to climate change with its far-reaching effects, companies are also finding themselves under increasing pressure to switch to more sustainable solutions.

Which technical options that companies can use to meet both challenges also make sense for private individuals? And which products have proven particularly effective in this regard? In this magazine article, you will find the most important information collected.

Energy consumption: smart and secure measurement

Since 2020, businesses with consumption of 6,000 kilowatt hours or more have also had to upgrade to smart electricity meters. Smart meters are seen as practical aids to high operating costs in times of energy and climate crisis. They also offer numerous advantages to the consumer in terms of managing energy consumption in addition to electricity gains if the consumer generates their own electricity using PV systems or similar. Up to ten percent of electricity could be saved with the help of smart meters and special electricity networks, experts say.

How do smart meters work?

Unlike conventional electricity meters, smart meters permanently record and store data on electricity consumption and display it on a homepage or app. This also means that, unlike previous devices, smart meters no longer have a mechanically moving part, but instead consist of a digital electricity meter and a communication unit. They now resemble small tablets that can both receive signals and send data to the network operator. The long-term goal of smart metering is to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with energy generation.

However, the rapid exchange of data also creates concrete benefits for companies and private individuals in particular:

• Always up to date: The power consumption can be checked on a daily basis.
• Everything at a glance: Which appliance and which machine consume the most electricity? The smart meters quickly identify energy guzzlers.
• Rapid response possible: Smart meters are the ideal basis for operational energy management. Based on the collected data and information, consumer behavior can be adjusted and optimized at any time.
• Concrete cost savings: Electricity consumption can be significantly reduced.
• Simple & practical: With smart meters, electricity billing is also possible on a monthly basis. This means that companies only pay for as much electricity as they actually consume. Partial payments and additional payments are now a thing of the past.
• Sustainable energy: Companies and households with PV systems can not only measure their own electricity consumption from their own source, but also feed surpluses into the grid at the same time.

Smart grids: Intelligent electricity networks

Smart meters convince with their multiple advantages for the consumer. At the same time, they form the basis for intelligent electricity networks. Also known as smart grids, these electrical systems combine a total of three control functions:

• generation
• storage
• consumption

Using a central control system, smart grids can optimally coordinate the individual parameters. Power fluctuations, especially those caused by fluctuating renewable energies, can be balanced out in this way. The advantages: Intelligent networking, load management and demand flexibilization enable the efficient use and integration of renewable energies. In addition, an optimization of the network utilization is achieved.

For consumers, this also means that electricity suppliers can offer companies and private households time-of-day rates based on the intelligent energy management systems. In concrete terms, this means that consumers are given the opportunity to activate electricity-intensive devices at favorable times.

Digitization of the energy transition through smart metering

Smart meters and smart grids are important tools in tackling climate change. At the same time, they also represent an opportunity to monitor and optimize electricity and energy consumption in times of energy crisis. The goal: to save costs and exploit untapped potential. For consumers, smart systems offer numerous advantages and represent sustainable and cost-saving energy management.

When purchasing intelligent measuring devices and systems, robustness, quality and precise measuring performance are important. In this context, Bürklin Elektronik relies on the expertise of well-known partner companies. In the online store store you will find a selection of energy meters and smart measurement systems, including top products from Gossen Metrawatt and other top manufacturers.