Smart meter versus energy management system: what's the difference?

Increasingly, customers are investing in sustainable solutions for energy generation. This includes solar panels, batteries, and charging stations. For maximum efficiency, one often encounters the terms 'smart meter' or 'energy management system'. While these terms are frequently used interchangeably, there is a significant distinction between them. This blog post will clarify these differences. Read on!

What Does a Smart Meter Do?

A smart meter is a digital electricity and gas meter that automatically records energy consumption and feed-in. Unlike a traditional meter, the smart version transmits data to the grid operator and can often be read via apps or linked systems. This provides the customer with insights into energy flows and enables connection to dynamic energy contracts.

What is an Energy Management System?

An energy management system is an intelligent control system that actively manages energy consumption, generation (e.g., from solar panels), and potentially storage (e.g., in home batteries). The system reads data from smart meters, inverters, charging stations, and other devices, using this data to make intelligent decisions about when energy is consumed, stored, or fed back into the grid.

Excellent Complementary Systems

The smart meter and an energy management system complement each other effectively. The smart meter provides the measurement data, while the energy management system utilises this data to initiate action. Together, they ensure both insight and optimal control. This is essential in a market characterised by dynamic tariffs and increasing pressure on the power grid.