Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry starts to discuss on the next electricity meter ー Presenting issues regarding the specifications of the next smart meter
On September 8th, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) held the first meeting for the Next Generation of Smart Meter System Study Group (Chair: Hiroyuki Morikawa, Professor at Graduate School of the University of Tokyo) and presented issues regarding the specifications of the next smart meter.In addition to reviewing the measurement frequency of 30 minutes intervals and adding measurement items such as reactive power, METI and ANRI will select the optimum method for communication in consideration of the capacity. In particular, many committee members and observers requested shortening of the 30-minute intervals. For technical issues, Working Group for Smart Meter Specification Review (WG) will be set up for further discussions.
The discussion on measurement frequency of 30 minutes intervals was settled at the Smart Meter System Study Group held from 2010 to 2011. However, 10 years have passed, it becomes an obstacle from the viewpoint of creating new businesses.
Mr. Masaki Umeshima, a specially appointed associate professor at Keio University Graduate School, who was involved in the demand response (DR) project at Lawson (convenient stores), emphasized that “the service cannot be created” with a data of 30 minutes intervals. Mr. Takao Hirai, Chief Director of Grid Data Bank Lab, said that although he was considering a new business on the premise of a 30-minute value, he requested that “smaller value is more appreciated.”
In addition, joint meter reading with gas and water, and selection of functions based on cost effectiveness were also mentioned as issues. Furthermore, a wide range of discussions will be held on Store how to handle the right to refuse the installation of smart meters from the perspective of health hazards and privacy.