General
A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that records energy consumption in near real-time and communicates that information to the utility (and often to customers) via two-way communication. Unlike traditional analog meters, smart meters can report usage data frequently (such as hourly or every 15 minutes), enabling time-of-use billing and better demand management. They also alert utilities to outages more quickly and eliminate the need for manual meter readings. For consumers with solar panels or participating in net metering, smart meters track both electricity drawn from the grid and excess generation sent back, simplifying crediting. Smart meters are a fundamental component of the smart grid, providing detailed data that helps integrate renewable energy, implement demand response programs, and improve overall grid efficiency.