Debunking 4 Smart Metering Myths

Smart meters have the ability to help communities in using power efficiently, conserving energy which can greatly reduce business operational costs. However, some of the users claim that smart meters could emit dangerous high-frequency radio waves that can cause illness and disease. Conflicting information like this, unfortunately, can leave customers confused about whether they should acquire smart meters or avoid them at all costs. Today, let us make an attempt to separate the facts from myths about smart meters.

Myth #1: Smart meters are less accurate than analog meters

Smart meters are rigorously tested for accuracy even before they leave the manufacturing plant. Apart from strict accuracy and security tests, public service commissions require smart meter manufacturers to supply independently certified testing results to prove that their smart meters generate accurate, on-the-mark measurements. Also, prior to installation, smart meter utilities repeatedly perform accuracy tests, often side-by-side with analog meters.

Myth #2: Smart meters could be a health threat because they communicate via wireless signals

Radio frequency emitted by smart meters is well below the limits set by Federal Communications Commission and is below levels produced by other household devices like cell phones, satellite TVs and microwaves. In fact, one would have to be exposed to the radio frequency from a smart meter for 375 years to get a dose equivalent to that of one year of 15-minutes-per-day cell phone use. An in-depth review of the scientific literature by the World Health Organization (WHO) also revealed that the small amount of radio frequency emitted by smart meters is not harmful to human health. 

Myth #3: Smart meters are a form of invasion privacy

Smart meters measure how much energy you use based on time of day, not how you use that energy. Just like banking, credit card and cable industry, the smart meter industry is poised to do the same thing using advanced security and encryption technology to safeguard your data, including providing secure access to your information online. Smart meter utilities stick to strict policies, including laws that regulate the use of personal information for business functions like billing and customer service.

Myth #4: Smart meters do not provide any customer benefits

Smart meters measure and transmit your energy usage directly to your utility, eliminating the practice of estimated bills, meaning no more surprises on your electric bill. Smart meters also provide customer with real-time energy usage information on how much, when, and in some cases, customer uses energy. With this information, enterprises can take more control over their energy consumption and monthly bills.

Greater reliability, faster power restoration, convenience and control are just a few of many benefits of smart meters, and distinguishing myth and facts of smart meters allows you to take advantage of all the benefits. With the implementation of Telkomsel NB-IoT, companies can make gain efficiency in operational costs, or even in the development of new network infrastructure, optimizing income from existing resources. Apart from those advantages, implementing NB-IoT will also provide you high economical value and has a lifespan of up to 10 years. Find out more about NB-IoT at www.telkomseliot.com and get your own free trial kit today.