Ministry begins testing smart meters for major expansion
The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has successfully installed 150,000 meters out of a total of 200,000 meters specified in the contract for the first phase, which was signed in 2021.
• The smart meters covered by contracts in both the first and second phases utilize the latest technology, including a SIM card chip connected to 3G or 4G networks, enabling data transmission via communication towers to the customers of the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy.
Engineer Saud Al-Hayan, Director of the Automated Center Department in the Customer Services Sector at the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, announced that testing has begun on samples of smart electric meters as part of the second phase of a recently signed contract. The contract involves the supply of 500,000 smart meters, according to Al Rai newspaper.
Al-Hayyan stated that the samples are being examined in the Department of Inspection and Measurement Devices within the Technical Services Sector to ensure compliance with international specifications and standards. He noted that the ministry, represented by the Customer Services Sector, has successfully installed 150,000 meters out of a total of 200,000 meters specified in the contract for the first phase, which was signed in 2021.
Al-Hayyan explained, “The smart meter is managed through the smart meter management system, supervised by the ministry’s engineers, who monitor the system and respond to any issues that may arise.”
He highlighted that the smart meters covered by contracts in both the first and second phases utilize the latest technology, including a SIM card chip connected to 3G or 4G networks, enabling data transmission via communication towers to the ministry’s customers.
He pointed out the advantages of installing smart meters compared to older mechanical meters, which were prone to reading errors and manipulation. He stated that the new smart meters will provide more accurate readings and facilitate monthly billing.
He stated that the smart meters project “represents an important step towards achieving Kuwait Vision 2035 by developing infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and making a qualitative leap in the provision of public services, while enhancing the use of technology for the benefit of the community.”
