Smart meters lie at the centre of a growing digital energy ecosystem that holds the potential to revolutionize the way we live, think and work. Acting as future-ready ‘intermediaries’ between supplier and consumer, they transmit critical information back and forth to align the two sides of the energy equation. This two-way exchange happens at a high frequency – eliminating the need for physical intervention (such as manual meter reading) which adds never-before convenience to smart tech adoption and lifestyle. When used as part of a larger smart metering solution (such as the one provided by Xenius), smart meters can also help elevate vital performance metrices such as energy efficiency, wastage reduction and cost optimization.
With real time monitoring and recording of energy use and energy infrastructure health, user-friendly consumption reports and timely alerts on facets like power outage / faults and bill payments, smart meters help us view and manage everyday energy activities, conserve energy via predictive and pre-emptive measures, bring down operational and maintenance costs, increase the lifespan of energy assets, and elevate the lifestyle experiences of cities and its citizens.
UNLOCK THE FULL POWER OF YOUR SMART METER
In order to extract best outcomes from a smart meter and ensure long term output however, it is essential to keep a watchful eye over its health and usage. The machine must be updated and upgraded to the latest tech benchmarks at all times, while corrective and preventive maintenance and optimization measures must be observed consistently. Often early detection, swift reporting (to the right authorities) and on-time repair can save a smart meter from serious harm or terminal damage.
We have curated a set of tips, strategies and best practices that can help businesses, home owners and real estate builders get more out of their smart meters – be it single phase devices or three phase devices.
Regular cleaning
Make sure to keep the smart meter device clean at all times by regularly checking for dust and dirt. Cleanse regularly by using a brush or a piece of dry cloth.
Handle with care
Being a sophisticated piece of digital or electronic hardware, smart meters must be kept guarded against physical shock or mechanical injury. Keep it away from harsh weather conditions and shield it from chemicals, moisture, liquids or direct sunlight. Refrain from striking it, and do not drop it from a height. Failing to observe these measures may cause damage and lead to erroneous reading or flawed functioning.
Monitor loose connections
Like most electronic hardware, loose wires or missing cables can adversely affect a smart meter’s performance. It is therefore strongly recommended that you check and tighten your smart meter’s physical chords and connections at regular intervals.
Adjust the caliberation
Smart meters can throw up errors, function below-par and turn into safety hazards – resulting in complicated billing complaints and legal disputes. This can happen due to maladjusted caliberation. One must therefore monitor, collect, analyze, compare and validate key performance data and indicators against standard protocols and references (such as regulatory requirements or contractual agreements) from time to time. How frequently this must be done depends on the instrument’s make and model, regulatory stipulations and environmental conditions. Some smart meters have self diagnostic features which may send helpful alerts before such an intervention is required.
Build smart energy habits
Most smart metering technology – including the one provided by xenius – lets teams and leaders track and understand their energy consumption patterns to a high degree of detail. Equipped with the insight, they can go on to make wise energy choices and adopt intelligent energy habits to optimize and conserve their energy resources. Some examples of smart energy habits are shifting high energy tasks to ‘off peak’ periods, concentrating maximum use during times of low tariff and minimizing wastage by plugging off unused devices. Steps like these not only help save money but also reduce pressure on the smart meter instrument, thus augmenting the latter’s performance and lifespan.
Follow this ‘daily drill’
- Create energy goals and benchmarks, and communicate the same with teams and members.
- Track your consumption closely : Note your starting and ending metering reading every day.
- Set helpful notifications like energy consumption limit and bill payment reminders.
- Keep your smart meter device display at eye level and position the equipment where everyone can see it easily.
- It may be a good idea to keep your smart meter display plugged into the mains.
- Figure out which your most demanding energy devices are, so that you can swipe and swap accordingly to optimize load relief and tariff benefits.
- Educate and train your teams and members on smart energy practises.
Pick the right vendor
Having an ‘energy partner’ – someone who carries the right balance of experience and empathy – can make a big difference to the way you leverage the potential of your smart meter and allied energy activities. Amongst other things, they can help ensure smooth implementation and activation of the smart meter into your existing systems and premises, manage connectivity configuration, help deploy stringent security and protection protocols and ensure that the meter technology is updated and compliant with latest versions and evolving regulations.
Partner with Radius and Xenius, the leading disruptors in smart metering solutions
At Xenius and Radius, we help real estate players and businesses across industries get a holistic grip over their smart energy landscape and deploy personalized smart metering strategies to achieve better client fulfilment and business outcomes.
To know more about our smart meters, click here.
To find out how you can mine our rich, 25 year legacy of user-first evolution to glean profitable insights, write to info@radius.co.in or info@xenius.in today.
DISCLAIMER
Observations and options expressed in the article (except where specifically validated by market numbers and stats) belong to the contributing writer of the article, and are not necessarily indicative of the company’s position and stance in the matter.
