Sri Lanka introduces Smart Metering to reduce electricity generation costs

Jan 08, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Power Ministry in a bid to reduce electricity generation costs has introduced the long awaited Smart Metering system.

A smart meter is usually an electronic device that records consumption of electric energy in intervals of an hour or less and communicates that information at least daily back to the utility for monitoring and billing. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the central system.



Unlike home energy monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote reporting.







Such an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) differs from traditional automatic meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communications with the meter. Ceylon Electricity Board seeks to reduce its peak power generation charges by trying to shift part of its consumers to use electricity in off peak hours.





“We want consumers to reduce using electricity in peak hours,” Power Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

State-owned power supplier so far had to use costly thermal power to complete power consumption during peak hours.

“If we can reduce the cost of a unit for off peak hours, it will be a motive for consumers to use power during off peak hours,” Siyambalapitiya said. The Ministry has also introduced a new system for small and medium scale entrepreneurs who seek to obtain electricity for their workshops. Under the new system those applicants has to pay only 25 percent as the initial payment to apply for electricity.



The balance amount would be paid monthly in a five year period in equal terms.