Application of new metering technology to market orientated electricity supply

Electricity utilities throughout the world face the same problems in trying to improve generation, transmission and distribution system efficiencies and so improve profitability. One of the methods used is to try to discourage the use of energy at peak demand times by the application of cost messages using time-of-use tariffs. In order to provide appropriate measurement data to the electricity supplier and the consumer, it will be necessary for all affected metering installations to be replaced. The authors conclude that the only practical solution is through the use of new metering technology. They discuss the application of this technology to provide the required information. They show that fully integrated metering and recording devices with communications capability are the only cost effective way of doing so