Smart meters will reduce natural gas losses and theft, lead to 3.9% energy savings

Replacement of the existing meters is included in the company's five-year plan for 2025-2029, with an estimated cost of 70 million euros to gradually replace the 568,000-odd conventional meters. Once installed, they will facilitate switches in natural gas providers, the distribution of gas mixtures (hydrogen, biogas) in networks and remove control of the supply.

With respect to 'thefts' and losses of natural gas, the problem is much less prevalent than for electricity, accounting for must 0.01% of total yearly consumption, compared to 11% in the case of power.

"The introduction of smart measuring systems will improve the ability of both the manager and supplier to detect and manage energy theft. Detailed consumption data will help in a faster and more effect control of the consumption traits of final customers, allowing the rapid detection of deviations from average consumption due to thefts or losses of gas. This can be achieved through remote checking of the meter's valve and the ability to detect if the meter is violated via alarms that go off at the management centre," the same sources said.

Regarding the projected energy savings, the sources said this was based on the findings of a study conducted by the European Smart Metering Industry Group, using 709 samples concerning some 5.5 million domestic customers.

AMNA