He replaced the old power meter. Accounts came higher by 9%

In fresh months, more and more households in Poland have been equipped with intelligent current meters, which aims to improve billing and to let for more accurate monitoring of energy consumption. However, many users study that after replacing the device their energy bills increased, sometimes even by 9% or more. Where do these differences come from, and can modern technology actually origin higher costs?

Smart power meters – what is worth knowing?

As required EU Energy Directive, Poland undertook to install smart energy meters at least 80% of households by 2028. The fresh devices are much more precise than older models, which has any crucial consequences:

1. Measurement precision – Smart meters evidence real-time energy consumption, eliminating roundings and errors that may have occurred in older meters.
2. Remote readability – the user no longer has to transmit readings manually, which eliminates the hazard of human errors.
3. Dynamic tariffs – fresh meters can handle different rates depending on the time of day, which allows to optimize energy consumption.

Why can bills be higher?

Although modern current meters have many advantages, many consumers have noticed an increase in billing after their installation. These are the most common causes of this phenomenon:

1. More accurate measurements – Old meters were frequently little delicate to low energy consumption by devices in standby mode, specified as TVs or computers. Smart meters evidence any consumption, which may consequence in higher bills.
2. Increased energy consumption during highest hours – in the case of dynamic tariffs, energy costs at highest hours may be importantly higher, which translates into higher charges.
3. Tariff mismatch – any users do not realize that a change in the counter may require a tariff adjustment to fresh measurement possibilities.
4. Hidden distribution fees – in any cases the change of the counter may consequence in a change in the way distribution fees are charged, which may be detrimental to the user.

Are smart meters mandatory?

According to regulations, energy operators have the right to exchange meters for fresh ones and users cannot block this process. In case of refusal, additional fees may be charged for the manual reading of the old counter. However, it is worth remembering that intelligent meters in the long term, they can aid save energy if you adjust your habits.

How to avoid advanced bills after the exchange of the counter?

1. Check the fare – make certain you usage a fare tailored to your lifestyle. For dynamic tariffs, avoid utilizing energy-intensive equipment during highest hours.
2. Monitor consumption – Smart meters let accurate monitoring of energy consumption. It is worth checking regularly which devices consume the most electricity.
3. Optimise energy consumption – usage energy-saving devices and turn off equipment that is not used.
4. Contact the operator – if you have doubts about the correct operation of the counter, study the complaint and ask for verification of the device.

Mr. Jan from Krakow, after replacing the counter with an intelligent one, noted the increase in bills about 9% within 3 months. After analysis, it was found that the incorrect tariff was to blame, which was not adapted to its energy usage habits. After changing the tariff and optimising consumption, his bills returned to the erstwhile level, and even somewhat decreased.

We would like to remind you that the current legal condition of the work to have alleged smart meters will apply from 1 January 2027. This effect is the consequence of the signing by the president of the Polish Act of 20 April 2021 on the amendment of the Energy Efficiency Act and any another laws. Thus, only from 1 January 2027 will intelligent meters be a compulsory component of the infrastructure in our homes.