Skip to main content

Smart Meters may be dumber than you think, according to Dutch study

smart meter exaggerate version 1490694495 smartmeter01
123RF
Smart meters are one of the new ways that energy companies are looking to keep a closer eye on our energy usage, while ostensibly making life easier for consumers. However, new research suggests that self-checking meters may actually be exaggerating the amount of energy being used, in some cases by as much as 580 percent.

The concept of the smart meter is a relatively simple one. Instead of requiring a regular meter reading from consumers, they electronically record how much energy is used and then transmit that information to the supplier on an hourly or daily basis. It shouldn’t be too complicated because beyond transmitting the data, less-smart meters have, of course, been reading energy usage for a long time. But this new generation could stand to learn something from its elders.

This latest investigation was conducted in The Netherlands, where some 750,000 smart meters have recently been installed in homes, in conformity with a government mandate introduced to see every home fitted with a smart meter by 2020.

Following rumors that smart meters were seeing excessive charges applied to consumers, Professor Frank Leferink, at the University of Twente, Netherlands (via Engadget), conducted a study of several commercial electronic smart meters manufacturers between 2004 and 2014. When hooked up to a number of power-consuming devices, actual consumption was compared to the meter readings.

Out of the nine meters tested, five of them were found to give readings higher than the power actually consumed. In one case it was 582 percent higher, though in two others, the meters recorded 30 percent less power usage than actually took place.

Although the largest discrepancies seem likely to be due to problems with the meters themselves, many of them struggled with specific appliances used in peoples’ homes. Energy saving lightbulbs, LED bulbs, and dimmer switches all seemed to cause the most variation when it came to the meters’ outputs.

The suggested reason for the inconsistency with certain hardware is a lack of a perfect waveform, often found with more energy efficient devices.

Although all meters tested meet all legal requirements, the study’s authors believe that they do not factor in the effect of many “modern switching devices,” and are therefore not capable of wholly accurate readings.

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
How to save Ring Doorbell video without a subscription
Ring Doorbell mounted outside a front door.

Take a walk through any neighborhood, and you're bound to see a few Ring video doorbells installed next to front doors. The brand is increasingly popular, thanks to an ever-growing product lineup that makes it easy to find a device for all budgets and security needs. But one of the peskier features of Ring is the need for a Ring Protect Plan -- a monthly subscription service that unlocks the majority of the camera's most useful features.

One such feature locked behind a Ring Protect Plan membership is the ability to save Ring doorbell videos. Without a plan, you'll really only be allowed to view a live feed of your video doorbell. The plans are pretty generous, with the Basic plan costing $5 per month and offering video history for up to 180 days, making it a worthwhile investment for homes worried about their security.

Read more
Amazon’s Echo Pop smart speaker is 43% off, and it’s not even Prime Day
The Echo Pop sitting on a countertop.

Usually we see the best Amazon Echo deals around Prime Day or other Amazon sales events. However, today, you can buy an Amazon Echo Pop for a super low price of $23. It normally costs $40 which is already pretty reasonable so being able to snag one for just $23 is pretty great. A useful addition to any room in your home, let’s take a look at what to expect.

Why you should buy the Amazon Echo Pop
One of the best smart speakers around when it comes to value and functionality, the Amazon Echo Pop is a great little addition to your home. Available in different colors to suit the aesthetic of your home, the compact smart speaker offers full sound that’s particularly well suited for bedrooms and small spaces. It’s small enough to blend in while still being pretty loud.

Read more
Blink sale: Up to 42% off home security cameras and video doorbells
blink mini indoor camera white set in a living room blurred in the background

To make sure that your family is safe at all times, you should think about investing in video doorbells and security camera deals. If you're thinking about buying them right now, you're in luck because Amazon just launched a sale for discounts of up to 42% on various Blink devices. As one of the most trusted names in the home security space with their compatibility with Amazon's Alexa, we don't think stocks will last long for these offers, so it's highly recommended that you choose what to purchase and proceed with the transaction as soon as possible in order to pocket the savings.

What to buy in Amazon's Blink sale

Read more