The regional gas company completed the certification of “smart” natural gas meters developed by specialists of the R&D department. They will begin to be manufactured and installed for gas consumers already in 2023.
This was reported by the press service of RGK.
It is noted that the metering devices combine a membrane meter and a smart module with a modem built into the housing. Thanks to the modem, the device will automatically transmit gas consumption data to the gas distribution company.
“Now many people have left their homes and do not have access to metering devices. Because of this, they have difficulties with accruals. Smart meters will eliminate these problems, – explained the head of the “Development and research” department of RGK, Yaroslav Havrel. “Besides, it’s just convenient, even when you haven’t left anywhere – you don’t have to worry about submitting a statement at the beginning of each month.”
The membrane counter is based on components of the world-famous Italian brand Mesura. A smart module with a modem was developed by RGK specialists.
Production of smart meters will begin in the II quarter of 2023 at the facilities of the Ukrainian metrology centers RGC Metering. The first batch of 16,000 meters will be produced this year.
“New meters will be installed both within the framework of the investment program of gas distribution companies and for commercial sale. New installs are usually builders. As part of the investment program, we will replace old metering devices that have not been verified with new meters free of charge,” Yaroslav Havrel said.
In Ukraine, more than 10 million gas meters have been installed for household consumers. Only several tens of thousands of them have smart systems. Other consumers have to submit their meter readings on a monthly basis.
After the start of mass production of smart meters, ordinary meters will be replaced by “smart” ones, if the NCRECP provides the appropriate funds in the investment programs that the commission approves for timing operators.
