What are smart energy meters?

The novelty in electricity supply in Romania, promised since 2015, smart energy meters, which allow self-reading of energy consumption without the need for an employee to go to the place of consumption, will reach most consumers later than expected.

Although it was expected that 85% of consumption places will use these meters by 2020, electricity distributors will only replace old meters at a rate of 10% for now.

Energy supply and smart meters

Smart meters allow for greater control over electricity consumption and distribution structure, so there are multiple benefits for electricity consumers. They will be able to benefit from:

• Permanent monitoring and control of electricity consumption.
• Monthly bills that reflect exact electricity consumption, without estimates.
• Greater protection against mains surges or other possible accidents.
• The possibility that the energy distributor can carry out interventions remotely if necessary, without disturbances and at lower costs, given that such interventions will not require physical travel to the place of consumption.
• Consumption can be viewed online on your computer, phone or tablet, always available.
• The processes of connection, disconnection, change of supplier, modification of contracts, etc. will be simplified thanks to the accuracy of consumption information.

Frequently asked questions about energy supply and smart meters

• Can I be left without electricity due to a remote outage by the energy supplier?

The interruption of the electricity supply will occur under the same conditions, regardless of the type of meter used.

• Is the wireless signal emitted by the meter dangerous?

The signal emitted by smart meters is much lower than that of a microwave oven or a telephone. This is not dangerous.

Restart Energy, electricity supplier

With Restart Energy, in addition to providing electricity at advantageous prices, you will be able to benefit from our wireless smart meter which will allow you to see consumption in real time, graphs and comparisons of consumption and active consumers at home. This way you can make your electricity consumption more efficient and reduce the cost of your bill.

Conclusion

The implementation of smart electricity meters represents an important step in the modernization of Romania’s energy infrastructure, offering significant benefits for both consumers and energy providers. These devices were introduced with the promise of improving efficiency, enabling automatic consumption readings, and eliminating the need for manual meter inspections. By providing more accurate and real-time information about electricity usage, smart meters have the potential to transform the way energy is monitored, managed, and billed.

However, the slower-than-expected deployment of these systems highlights some of the challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure modernization. While initial plans envisioned that approximately 85% of consumption points would be equipped with smart meters by 2020, the actual replacement process has progressed at a much more gradual pace. The current rate of implementation indicates that the transition to a fully digital metering system will take longer than originally anticipated, delaying some of the expected benefits for consumers and the energy sector.

Despite these delays, the long-term advantages of smart metering remain substantial. Smart meters allow consumers to better understand their electricity consumption patterns, helping them make informed decisions about energy use and identify opportunities for savings. Access to more detailed consumption data can encourage greater energy efficiency and support efforts to reduce electricity costs. In addition, automated readings eliminate estimation errors and provide more accurate billing, improving transparency between consumers and energy suppliers.

For energy distributors and suppliers, smart meters offer operational benefits that can improve the overall efficiency of the electricity network. Automated data collection reduces administrative costs, streamlines meter management, and enables faster identification of technical issues within the grid. The technology also supports the development of smart grids, which are increasingly important for integrating renewable energy sources and managing modern electricity systems more effectively.

The slower rollout should not diminish the importance of the initiative. Large-scale technological transitions often require substantial investments, careful planning, and coordination among multiple stakeholders. While the implementation process may take longer than initially projected, continued investment in smart metering infrastructure remains essential for achieving a more efficient, reliable, and digitally connected energy sector.

In conclusion, smart energy meters represent a key innovation that can significantly improve the way electricity is consumed and managed in Romania. Al