Smart Electricity Meters

Smart Meters are currently being rolled out across Ireland by ESB Networks. These should aid in the operation of our future grid infrastructure, by increasing our knowledge of electricity usage patterns on an individual and a collective level.

At last report ESB Networks had installed 1,000,000 smart meters which is a milestone in the National Smart Metering Program.

The previous milestone was 500,000 smart meters mainly in urban areas, of which only 12,000 were considered microproducers with a solar PV system, micro-wind or other micro-generation capacity connected to the grid.

Say goodbye to your old electricity meter

National Smart Metering Program

The National Smart Metering Program is part of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and was instituted by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) starting in 2019.

ESB Networks is responsible for the implementation of the National Smart Metering Program, and they are almost half-way to the target figure of 2.4 million smart meters installed across Ireland by 2024.

If you are unsure when smart meters are being rolled out in your area, you can contact ESB Networks directly to request installation of a smart meter at your home or business; details are available on their website at www.esbnetworks.ie.

ESB Smart Electricity Meter — Smart Electricity Meter being installed across Ireland

What is a Smart Electricity Meter?

A Smart Electricity Meter is just a simple electronic device which allows you to measure electricity consumption or production.

The data from your smart meter can be presented in a variety of ways which are useful for saving money or altering energy consumption patterns for more efficient use of electricity.

Are Smart Meter’s Expensive?

There are lots of inexpensive smart meters or ‘energy monitors‘ available which can perform the required metering and present the output in a user friendly way.

You can go ahead and install your own smart meter right now if you want to monitor your own electricity usage and consumption patterns.

Many smart meters or energy monitors will offer an app which can deliver your energy consumption data directly to your smart phone or a small unit connected in your home.

Smart Electricity Meter with App — Many smart meters and energy monitors display information via an app on your smart phone

Solar PV and your Smart Meter

If you haven’t already installed a smart meter or an energy monitor in your home we definitely recommend this as a great precursor for your new Solar PV system.

If you already have your solar PV system installed a smart meter will aid in understanding your consumption/production patterns and you should contact ESB Networks directly to request your new smart meter installation.

Many solar PV systems will also provide their own monitoring and analysis software to give you a complete understanding of your electricity production / consumption.

Feel free to Contact Us for more information.