Since the New Year, only smart meters are allowed to be installed in Russia

The New Year brings with it not only joy, fun and new worries, but also usually it is from the New Year that various innovations begin to take effect. It happened this time too. And now, by January 1, 2022, only so-called smart metering devices (meters) are allowed to be installed, and all responsibility from the consumer is transferred to the organization.

Homes will now only have smart meters

Amendments to the Federal Law of March 26, 2003 No. 35-FZ "On the Electric Power Industry" were adopted on December 19, 2018, but its implementation was divided into two stages.

So at the first stage, which began on July 1, 2020, grid companies, as well as guaranteeing suppliers, had to be responsible for metering devices. It was from this date that networkers, and not ordinary consumers, already paid for the replacement or installation of a new meter.

The second stage of changes entered into force on January 1, 2022, and now, according to the requirement of the law, to install only smart metering devices are allowed, which should eventually become the main element of future smart networks.

What smart meters should be able to do

So, for ordinary consumers (that is, for you and me) smart metering devices will allow, for example, to control the frequency and voltage of the network, that is, there will be the ability to control the quality of electricity, and in case of deviation from the guaranteed standards, complain and demand quality improvement power supply.

Also, the new smart meters will provide the ability to change the tariff without actually replacing the meter (that is, it will be possible to choose a one-, two-, or three-rate tariff).

At the same time, with smart metering devices, there will be no need to transfer readings to a sales company every month.

And the replacement, installation and maintenance of smart metering devices is entirely the concern of all the same sales and network companies.

When will my old meter be replaced with a new one?

Of course, it is impossible to simultaneously change all the old metering devices in the country to new ones. Therefore, the replacement will be smooth. So with a new connection, a new "sharply wiser" meter will be installed.

In your house / apartment, the old meter will stand until it breaks down or the verification period comes up. Then it will be replaced by a sales organization with an intellectual one.

What will happen to the tariffs and at whose expense will such a replacement be?

Of course, all this "pleasure" costs money, and a completely logical question arises: who will pay for all this in the end? So, according to the calculations of the Ministry of Energy, all costs for the purchase and installation of smart metering devices will be made from the "pockets" of grid companies.

But these costs will not be transferred to the tariff, and everything will pay off by reducing losses, as well as significantly increasing the efficiency of processes.

This is how the work with metering devices will change from this year. Write in the comments how you personally feel about these changes.

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