An evaluation of the smart metering program

Our electricity grid has changed little over the past 50-100 years and has not kept pace with the advancements in technology. An important upgrade to the grid is now taking place. Old electricity meters are being replaced with modern digital devices known as “smart meters”. This report compares the features of old electricity meters and smart meters, describes how the smart metering program works, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the smart metering program, and analyzes the program from an economic standpoint. The main case study used throughout the report is the smart metering program in the province of British Columbia. The advantages of the smart metering program include two-way communication between the meter and the utility, improved power-outage-detection techniques, customer tools for conservation, and electricity theft detection. The disadvantages of the program include the transition process, the difficulty in ensuring the security of data, and the electromagnetic radiation produced by the smart meters. The smart metering program is worthwhile from an economic standpoint since its net present value is $520 million.Applied Science, Faculty ofElectrical and Computer Engineering, Department ofUnreviewedUndergraduat