Smart meters ‘leap’ in Kuwait’s vision of digitalization, energy conservation

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Pre-paid meters to provide greater flexibility

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 1: Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy is a significant contributor to government’s vision of digitalization and energy conservation, and the installation of smart electricity meters is a considerable leap in that regard. Stemming from the ministry’s aim of providing continuous high quality energy and straying away from an ordinary mechanism to a smart one, comes the utilization of state-of-the-art technology and information systems. Manager of the ministry’s maintenance and contract management department, Eng. Mulaweh Al-Ajmi stated to KUNA on Wednesday, that the ministry is keen on translating Kuwait’s vision of digitalization into reality as it has prepared a plan to switch all ordinary meters into smart ones in the shortest possible timeframe. Al-Ajmi added that the ministry imported around 200,000 smart meters as part of its preliminary phase.

Minister of Electricity and Minister of Social Affairs and Societal Development Dr. Mashaan Al-Otaibi had previously stated that it was expected that around 800,000 meters would be installed within two to three years. The smart meters have the ability to improve and insure energy efficiency and find a mechanism to monitor and rapidly repair faults. They could also raise consumer awareness in regards to consumption rates, which in return would contribute to saving energy and expenses.

The new pre-paid meters will provide greater flexibility in terms of issuing bills and facilitating payments via either ministry’s website, application, or consumers’ affairs centers. Additionally, the smart electricity meters could provide the ministry with necessary information in regards to what areas are in need of current strengthening, or even building new power stations. Due to the vitality of the project, the ministry began giving notices to investment and trade sectors in provinces of Farwaniya and Hawali in order to pay dues prior to installation of new meters, around 30,000 smart meters have already been installed in Al-Salmiya area. There are three types of smart meters; direct meters meant for stores and large apartments, single meters meant for small spaces, and LVCT meters designed for residential plots and villas. The ministry also plans on installing smart water meters for residential units in upcoming stages., (KUNA)

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