Intelligent Metering Innovations for Urban Utility Management: A Review

This study examines the factors that led to the development of smart meters, their subsequent evolution, and their global implementation. This study presents a comprehensive overview of the existing body of knowledge for both researchers and industry practitioners, with the aim of establishing the role of intelligent metering, also known as smart metering, in facilitating sustainable urban gas, water & electricity management. The potential of this technology to transform customer engagement and enhance the management of urban cities by utilities is emphasized. Thus far, the implementation of intelligent metering has been driven by the need for more data on use patterns and specific end-uses, such as those related to showers, toilets, gas leakage detection, gas consumption pattern, EV consumption pattern and so on. The energy sector has consistently been at the forefront of technical innovation, but the industries has seen a relative delay in adopting such advancements. In the upcoming few years, there will be a notable transition in the use of intelligent meters, as they move from mostly being utilized on a pilot or demonstration scale to achieving broader, more prevalent usage. The importance of real-time data in customer interaction and demand management, the ownership, sharing, and privacy of data, the management of technical data and infrastructure security, the skills of utility personnel, and the costs and benefits associated with deployment are among the under-discussed problems that need attention. This study elaborates about the evolution of different types of meters, technologies involved and the benefits of using the Smart Meter.