Electricity meters and 'smart' meters
As outlined on the pages 'The EU and Electromagnetic Fields' and 'The Precautionary Principle in the European Union', the EU only provides protection against the acute health effects of electromagnetic fields. The EU also avoids establishing a basis for applying the precautionary principle. This means that requirements for smart electricity meters can be introduced regardless of any deterioration in the electromagnetic environment. However, the requirement for smart electricity meters is not absolute.
A directive
The EU can issue recommendations, which are exactly that: recommendations, and nothing more. Alternatively, it can issue directives, which are results that Member States should achieve, though they are free to decide how to do so. Directives should be incorporated into a country's own legislation, as this is where they should initially take effect. A third option is a regulation, which takes effect as law in EU Member States without the need for transposition into local legislation.1
The EU's requirement for smart electricity meters takes the form of a directive.2
Why 'smart' meters?
- to promote energy efficiency and to empower final customers
- developing innovative pricing formulas
- metering systems that can function in combination with consumer energy management systems and with smart grids3
What results does the directive specify?
In addition to the obvious requirement for a smart electricity meter to accurately measure electricity consumption, there are a number of other requirements. It should be able to provide usage time and historical consumption information in the form of figures, images, or diagrams. Customers should be able to access their consumption data almost instantly, either by connecting to the meter or via remote access. This is to support automated programmes for energy efficiency, demand management and other services.4
Cost-benefit analyses are fundamental to EU requirements. If an analysis shows that the costs exceed the benefits, the Member State may postpone action, but the analysis should be reviewed at least every four years.5
Member States that do not systematically introduce smart metering systems should allow consumers to request the installation of a smart electricity meter at reasonable cost. All consumers have the right to an electricity meter that can provide the necessary information for an electricity bill based on actual consumption.6 See annex I for details.
Such a bill should be sent at least once a year. Paragraph 2.a7
However, if the electricity meter is read remotely, the electricity bill should be issued at least once every three months. Paragraph 2.b8
The requirement in paragraph 2.b does not apply if the customer does not have a meter that allows remote reading or has chosen to disable remote reading in accordance with national legislation. In this case, paragraph 2.a can be fulfilled through self-reading. Paragraph 2.c9
The EU has a plan. If the cost-benefit analysis shows a profit, the Member State shall draw up a timetable with the aim of introducing smart metering systems within ten years. If the introduction of smart metering systems is approved, at least 80% of end customers should have a smart metering system within seven years of the approval date or by 2024 at the latest, provided that the Member State started the systematic introduction of smart metering systems before 4 July 2019. However, a Member State may prescribe a total rollout.10
Directive EU 2019/944 shows a great deal of flexibility: introduction of smart meters is not mandatory but should be based on economic calculations, total introduction of smart electricity meters is not required, but the target remains at 80 per cent. The remaining 20 per cent may get their bills based on actual consumption by self-reading. What is missing is the right of citizens to choose the type of meter they want.
