Elektrodistribucija Srbjje has laid out a plan to replace approximately three million old meters with smart ones by 2030. According to energy expert Željko Marković, these new measuring devices will not only reduce losses but also offer more precise insights into consumption patterns. Additionally, electrical engineer Jovan Vujasinović highlights that citizens will gain the ability to manage and even produce electricity with the introduction of smart meters.
The push for green technologies and the expansion of renewable energy sources have prompted “Elektrodistribucija Srbije” to embark on the ambitious task of replacing over 3.5 million outdated meters with smart alternatives.
Željko Marković, an energy expert, states that the goal is to replace 80 percent of the old meters by the end of 2030, equating to around 400,000 meters per year. He expresses confidence in meeting this realistic target, citing funding from the European Union donation and favorable loans from the European Investment Bank.
The implementation of “smart” meters promises enhanced insight into consumption patterns and electricity management. Jovan Vujasinović explains that these meters will allow consumers to monitor their electricity usage on a daily and hourly basis, compared to the current monthly overview. Moreover, citizens will have the opportunity to optimize their consumption habits and even generate their electricity through solar panels.
In addition to providing accurate billing, smart meters offer benefits such as easier fault detection and improved consumption planning. Marković emphasizes the role of smart meters in reducing losses, including those attributed to technical issues and electricity theft, which will now be easier to identify.
Furthermore, the implementation of smart meters will eliminate the inconvenience of manual meter readings and billing errors. Vujasinović underscores the role of artificial intelligence in providing consumption advice based on real-time data collected by these devices.
As Serbia moves towards a more technologically advanced energy infrastructure, the introduction of smart meters heralds a significant step forward in energy efficiency and consumer empowerment.