The Ulyanovsk Grids of Rosseti Volga branch (brand of IDGC of Volga, PJSC) continues to implement a project to equip consumers with smart metering devices. Since the beginning of the year, 4,536 metering devices with the function of automatic collection of readings have already been installed in the Ulyanovsky, Staromainsky, Inzensky, Kuzovatovsky districts of the Ulyanovsk region. In total, since the start of the program in 2017, power engineers have installed 18,961 meters throughout the region.

The installation of automated metering devices is carried out within the framework of a long-term energy service contract aimed at reducing losses in the power grid. The meter is installed at the entrance to the consumer's home ownership. At the same time, communication channel routers are installed at the power centers, which allow receiving data on electricity consumption from newly installed devices. This energy accounting system greatly simplifies the process of data collection and control of total consumption from a single power center. In addition, the system itself transfers data to the power company. After installing the device, the consumer is given a special reading device that allows to control all the readings independently.

The installation of smart meters allows, among other things, eliminating the possibility of interference by unscrupulous consumers in the operation of the meter or the power supply circuit in order to reduce the consumption of electricity taken into account by the meter. Thus, the updated accounting system is effective in the fight against energy thieves, whose actions damage the reliable and high-quality power supply.

Modernization of the energy metering system will allow to achieve a long-term effect on reducing energy losses and reduce it to the level of technical ones. Power engineers have already noted a positive trend in areas where the installation was completed last year. Prior to the implementation of the program, losses sometimes exceeded the normative technical several times. In particular, in 2016, the losses on these lines averaged 37%, and at the end of 2018 decreased to 26%.