Italian Co. to Join Smart Electricity Metering Initiative

Iran's Energy Efficiency Organization (SABA) and Italy's Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano (CESI) signed an agreement in Tehran on Sunday on technology transfer and implementing the advanced smart electricity metering initiative (codenamed FAHAM).

According to Deputy Energy Minister Sattar Mahmoudi, CESI will also provide SABA with technical and engineering services including business and technical consultancy, engineering and operational support, Shana reported.

Underscoring the fact that Iran’s energy intensity rate (total primary energy consumption per unit of GDP) is nearly four times the global average, the official noted, "Converting the national electricity grid into a smart industry is a valid priority that is being implemented across the country.

 "As a part of a pilot plan, power companies have installed 4,000 smart meters, compliant with international standards in Zanjan and Bushehr provinces."

Mahmoudi says undertaking the rest of the nationwide mega plan can gain momentum with the help of foreign firms that offer advanced solutions.

"FAHAM was launched in 2015 and will ultimately cover more than 32.3 million electricity subscribers nationwide," he said, adding that the advanced metering infrastructure would help get rid of manual meter reading, which is prone to error. Smart meters have been used in Europe and the US since 2001.

Mahmoudi said completing the advanced metering system at the national level  is one of the ministry's top priorities in line with the Resistance Economy, which is a set of policies proposed by the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to augment self-reliance, curb reliance on oil revenues and improve domestic industries.

Efficient power consumption management during peak demand, preventing unauthorized use of electricity and informing consumers of the higher power tariffs during the peak hours are among the advantages of the new gadgets.

Smart meters record energy consumption more accurately, compared to conventional meters and send data to the electricity supplier. In addition, smart meters often come with monitors, allowing consumers to better understand energy usage.

Headquartered in the Italian city of Milan, CESI was established in 1956.  As an independent energy consultant and solution provider, CESI has implemented projects in Italy (more than 35 million customers), Spain, Serbia, Montenegro and Malta.

Through top-class modern testing facilities located in Milan and Berlin, it is among the leading international organizations providing measurements and inspection, testing & certification and design review services to the global power industry.

Iran has an installed power capacity of around 75,000 megawatts. Around 62,000 MW, or 80% of total output, is generated from thermal plants that burn fossil fuels. In addition, 12,000 MW comes from hydroelectric plants and 1,000 MW from the sole nuclear power plant in Bushehr.