Smart meters are the heart of modern Local Energy Communities (LEGs). They enable precise measurement of consumption and production, automatic billing, and transparent real-time monitoring.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know as an LEG participant about electricity meters and smart meters – from technology to installation to costs and billing.
What is a Smart Meter?
Definition
A smart meter (intelligent meter) is an electronic electricity meter that:
- Measures consumption and production in real-time
- Transmits data automatically
- Enables digital billing
- Supports monitoring and analysis
Difference from Traditional Meters
Traditional Meter (Ferraris meter):
- Mechanical display
- Manual reading required
- No data storage
- No remote transmission
Smart Meter:
- Digital display and storage
- Automatic data transmission
- Historical data available
- Real-time monitoring possible
Why Smart Meters are Important for LEGs
Technical Requirement
For LEGs, smart meters are essential because:
1. Precise Measurement:
- Exact recording of consumption and production
- Second-accurate data for fair billing
- No estimates or rounding
2. Automatic Billing:
- No manual reading required
- Automatic transmission to billing system
- Error-free billing
- Transparency for all members
3. Real-Time Monitoring:
- Live insights into energy flows
- Optimization of energy consumption
- Early problem detection
- Transparent presentation for members
4. Energy Distribution:
- Precise allocation of production to consumption
- Fair trading within the community
- Optimized use of local energy
Legal Requirements
In Switzerland, smart meters for LEGs are:
- Often required by grid operators
- Recommended for precise billing
- Standard for new facilities
Types of Smart Meters
1. Single-Direction Meter (Smart Meter Basic)
Features:
- Basic smart meter functions
- Consumption measurement
- Simple data transmission
- Suitable for consumers
Cost: 200-400 CHF (one-time)
2. Bidirectional Meter (Smart Meter Pro)
Features:
- Consumption measurement
- Production measurement (feed-in)
- Bidirectional data transmission
- Suitable for prosumers (producers and consumers)
Cost: 300-600 CHF (one-time)
3. Intelligent Meters with Storage Functions
Features:
- All functions of Smart Meter Pro
- Local data storage
- Extended analysis functions
- Integration with smart home systems
Cost: 500-1,000 CHF (one-time)
Which Smart Meter is Right?
For Energy Consumers:
- Smart Meter Basic sufficient
- Consumption measurement
- Simple billing
For Energy Producers (Prosumers):
- Smart Meter Pro required
- Production measurement
- Bidirectional data transmission
For Complex Facilities:
- Intelligent meters with storage
- Extended functions
- Integration into smart grid
Installation and Setup
Installation by Professional Company
Who installs smart meters?
Grid Operator:
- Often responsible for installation
- Own technicians
- Standardized procedures
Certified Electrical Companies:
- Independent installation possible
- Professional execution
- Certification required
LEG Administration:
- Coordination of installations
- Coordination with grid operator
- Quality assurance
Installation Process
1. Preparation:
- Schedule appointment
- Technical review
- Prepare installation location
2. Installation:
- Remove old meter (if present)
- Install smart meter
- Electrical connection
- Function test
3. Commissioning:
- Calibration
- Connect to data transmission system
- Register in LEG platform
- Test first data transmission
Duration: 1-3 hours per installation
Installation Costs
Typical costs:
- Smart meter: 200-600 CHF (one-time)
- Installation: 100-300 CHF (one-time)
- Commissioning: 50-150 CHF (one-time)
- Total: 350-1,050 CHF (one-time)
Who bears the costs?
Option 1: LEG bears costs
- Community financing
- Same conditions for all
- Often included in membership fees
Option 2: Participant bears costs
- Individual installation
- Own cost responsibility
- Often when joining later
Option 3: Grid operator bears
- During grid renewal
- Part of grid investment program
- No direct costs for participants
Functions and Capabilities
Basic Functions
1. Consumption Measurement:
- Precise recording of electricity consumption
- Continuous measurement
- Historical data
2. Production Measurement (for prosumers):
- Recording of produced energy
- Feed-in counting
- Surplus detection
3. Data Transmission:
- Automatic transmission to billing system
- Various transmission paths (GPRS, LAN, Powerline)
- Secure encryption
4. Display:
- Digital display of consumption/production
- Historical data
- User-friendly operation
Extended Functions
5. Real-Time Monitoring:
- Live data via platform
- Visualization of energy flows
- Alarm functions
6. Load Profile Analysis:
- Detailed consumption profiles
- Peak load detection
- Optimization suggestions
7. Smart Home Integration:
- Connection with smart home systems
- Automation of consumers
- Optimized energy use
8. Forecasts:
- Energy forecasts
- Consumption forecasts
- Production forecasts
Data Transmission and Security
Transmission Paths
1. GPRS/4G (Mobile):
- Widely used
- Good coverage
- Monthly fees (5-15 CHF/month)
2. Powerline (via power grid):
- No additional infrastructure
- Reliable
- Limited range
3. LAN (Cable):
- Fast and reliable
- Requires internet connection
- No additional costs
4. Radio (LoRaWAN, Sigfox):
- Suitable for large distances
- Low energy consumption
- Special infrastructure required
Data Security
Data Protection:
1. Encryption:
- All data transmissions encrypted
- Secure protocols (TLS, SSL)
- Protection against unauthorized access
2. Access Control:
- Only authorized persons have access
- Authentication required
- Logging of all accesses
3. Data Protection:
- GDPR compliance
- Minimal data collection
- Transparency about data usage
4. Regular Updates:
- Security updates
- Patch management
- Continuous improvement
Billing with Smart Meters
Automatic Billing
How does it work?
1. Data Transmission:
- Smart meter sends data automatically
- Transmission to LEG platform (e.g., Upgrid)
- Regular updates (hourly, daily, monthly)
2. Data Processing:
- Automatic calculation of consumption/production
- Assignment to members
- Price calculation
3. Billing:
- Automatic creation of bills
- Transparent presentation
- Sending to members
4. Payment:
- Automatic payment request
- Various payment methods
- Payment confirmation
Benefits for Participants
Transparency:
- All data is visible
- Detailed breakdown
- Historical comparisons
Accuracy:
- No estimates
- Precise measurement
- Fair billing
Simplicity:
- No manual reading
- Automatic processes
- Less effort
Maintenance and Repairs
Regular Maintenance
What is required?
1. Technical Maintenance:
- Regular function check
- Cleaning and care
- Replacement for defects
2. Software Updates:
- Security updates
- Function improvements
- Compatibility updates
3. Calibration:
- Regular calibration (every 8-16 years)
- Accuracy check
- Certification
Responsibilities
Grid Operator:
- Often responsible for maintenance
- Technical support
- Replacement for defects
LEG Administration:
- Coordination of maintenance
- Communication with grid operator
- Documentation
Participants:
- Grant access
- Report problems
- Basic care (cleanliness)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a smart meter to join an LEG?
Usually yes, but:
- Some LEGs also accept traditional meters (with limitations)
- Smart meters are often recommended/required by LEG
- Installation can be supported by LEG
How much does a smart meter cost?
Typical costs:
- Smart meter: 200-600 CHF (one-time)
- Installation: 100-300 CHF (one-time)
- Total: 300-900 CHF (one-time)
Often LEG or grid operator bears the costs.
How secure are my data?
Smart meters have high security standards:
- Encrypted data transmission
- Access controls
- GDPR compliance
- Regular security updates
Can I view my smart meter data myself?
Yes, most LEG platforms offer:
- Access to own data
- Visualization of consumption/production
- Historical evaluations
- Real-time monitoring
What happens if the smart meter is defective?
Procedure:
- Report problem to grid operator or LEG
- Check and diagnose
- Repair or replace
- Data recovery (if possible)
- Billing during outage (estimation possible)
Can I choose my smart meter myself?
Often predetermined by:
- Grid operator requirements
- LEG technical standards
- Compatibility requirements
Consult your LEG administration.
How long does a smart meter last?
Typical lifespan:
- 15-20 years of operation
- Regular maintenance extends lifespan
- Technology updates may require earlier replacement
Do I take the smart meter with me when moving?
No:
- Smart meter stays at location
- New smart meter installed at new location
- Data is transferred
- Learn more about moving
Smart Meters in the LEG Platform
Integration with Upgrid
Upgrid supports all common smart meter types:
Functions:
- Automatic data transmission
- Real-time monitoring
- Automatic billing
- Transparent visualization
Benefits:
- Seamless integration
- Easy management
- Professional support
- Regular updates
Next Steps
Ready to use smart meters for your LEG?
- Learn about LEGs: Understand the basics
- Contact Upgrid: Get advice
- Check your requirements: Which smart meter is right for you?
- Plan installation: Coordinate with LEG and grid operator
Smart meters make LEGs truly modern, transparent, and efficient!
Related Articles:
- What is an LEG? Complete Guide 2025
- Starting an LEG: Step-by-Step Guide with Checklist
- LEG Digitization: Platforms, Apps and Management Systems
- Smart Grid Technology for Energy Communities
About Upgrid: Upgrid supports you with smart meter integration and makes billing simple and transparent. Visit Upgrid.ch for more information.