Electronic Energy Meters: Components, Types, Price, Advantages & Disadvantages

An electronic energy meter or electricity meter is an instrument used to calculate the total energy consumed by a commercial office, home, or electronic device. 

The utility department uses this device to analyse the amount of electricity a household uses and generates the monthly bills based on it. It measures the current flow in kilowatt-hours using different types of electric metres to determine energy efficiency. 

Components Of Electricity Meter 

An electric metre comprises eight essential components: a current transformer, processor, power converter, modem, internal battery, operator interface, hall effect sensor, and cover tamper switch. 

These components align with modern-day requirements. The following are the functions of the electricity meter components.

1. The current transformer determines the current flow from the utility to the residence. 
2. The power converter transforms the analogue into digital power. 
3. The processor ensures effective programming within the metre. 
4. The modem helps the metre to function without wire connectivity.
5. The internal battery allows the metre to operate without electricity. 
6. The operator interface is a point that shows the functional problems and billing history. 
7. The cover tamper switch analyses whether the metre’s cover is present or removed. 
8. The hall effect sensor aids in correct power reading. 

Types Of Electricity Meter  

Electricity meters are of three basic types: analogue, digital, and time-of-use metres. 

• Analogue electric metres: Also known as electromechanical metres, these are among the oldest metres in Indian history. They do not have a display or connectivity facility. These metres read the electricity and display it on circular scales. The operator reads the electricity meter on the scale and analyses the total electricity consumed. 
• Digital electric metres: These metres offer easier readings than analogue electric metres. Besides, they provide an LED or LCD display and have a connectivity feature. The operators do not need to calculate the readings on the scale as the LED or LCD screen provides an accurate reading. 
• Time-of-use metres: This is the third type and can either be digital or analogue. The primary difference is that it is for people who register for the time-of-use plan. In this plan, the electricity is charged considering the peak and off-hours. Two separate metres are used for this purpose, one for calculating the electricity during peak hours and the other for off-peak hours. 

Electronic Energy Meter Price

The electric meter price in India ranges from as little as ₹365 to ₹1,14,621. Depending on the features that an electric meter provides, the price fluctuates. The more features, the higher the price will be. 

Similarly, the electric meter for residential use will be more affordable than the ones used at offices or industries. The demand also affects the price, for instance, digital metres are in great demand these days. Besides, they have more features than analogue metres. Thus, they are more expensive than the former model.

Advantages Of Electricity Meter

The electric metre has undergone many modifications; the current electric metre or the digital metre possesses the following advantages:

• It calculates the electricity consumption quickly 
• It provides real-time data 
• The electricity meter offers feedback on energy consumption
• It minimises blackout and electric failures
• It doesn’t require power plants for operation
• It reduces distribution losses
• The electricity meter is energy-efficient 
• It is more sustainable than conventional metres
• It does not generate greenhouse gas emissions

Disadvantages Of Electric Metres

Every technology has its drawbacks, and so do the electric metres. The following are some disadvantages of an electric metre –

• The electricity meter can abruptly stop showing readings
• It might not receive signals in rural areas
• Digital meters can be more expensive than the analogue ones 
• If there are power fluctuations, it might show erroneous results 
• The electricity meter might have a voltage limitation.

Despite the limitations, you cannot eliminate an electricity meter, not even in the solar space. In fact, in solar, a different type of meter – known as a bi-directional meter – is used when it comes to the installation of a rooftop on-grid solar system. 

Conclusion 

The electronic energy meter is vital in measuring electricity, usage demands, power factor, and voltage. The operators cannot calculate the correct bill amount without an electronic energy meter. Although there are a few cons, the pros make electricity meters worth it. Plus, they’re essential too. The disadvantages can be dealt with with proper maintenance. 

FAQs 

1. Can I understand whether the electricity meter is showing the correct results?

Yes, you can determine whether the electricity meter is showing the right results or not. For that, you need to switch off all the electronic devices and then read the measurement. Then let 1000-watt power run and reread the metre. The metre works fine if the difference between the two readings is 1 kWh. 

2. Is there a way to slow down electric meter operation?

No, it is not possible to slow down electric metre operation. However, if you want less reading to show on the meter, you must try to use less electricity. 

3. What is the energy meter price in India?

It varies between ₹365 to ₹1,14,621. The price depends on whether the meter is for residential purposes or commercial, how many advanced features the meter has, etc.