Prepaid electricity meter is a type of electricity meter that uses a prepaid billing method. Users need to purchase electricity in advance and input the amount of electricity into the meter through a card. The meter will charge based on actual electricity usage. If the user does not continue to purchase electricity after using up the electricity, the power source will be automatically cut off and the power supply will be stopped. Used for measuring AC single-phase active energy with a rated frequency of 50Hz, achieving the management function of paying before using electricity. We use advanced microelectronics technology for data acquisition, processing, and storage, and transmit data using RF cards. Its performance indicators comply with GB/T17215-2002 and GB/T18460.3-2001 standards. Its advantage is that it is easy to use, allowing users to check their electricity balance at any time and recharge as needed, avoiding the problem of unpaid electricity bills.

The Internet of Things meter, through network connection, transmits real-time electricity consumption data to the power supply bureau or relevant management departments. Users can check the electricity consumption situation at any time through devices such as mobile phones or computers, and also monitor the status of the meter in real time, making it easy to manage and control electricity consumption. Its advantages are timely data transmission, making it convenient for users to understand the electricity consumption situation at any time, and achieving intelligent electricity consumption through remote control. In order to adapt to the use of smart grids and new energy, smart meters also have intelligent functions such as bidirectional multi rate metering, user side control, bidirectional data communication with multiple data transmission modes, and anti-theft functions. Smart meters represent the development direction of intelligent terminals for energy-saving smart grids in the future.

So, will IoT smart meters replace prepaid meters?

In the construction of smart cities and "smart power IoT", with the expansion of the deployment range of NB IoT base stations by the three major operators, NB IoT IoT smart meters will usher in a huge application space.

IoT smart meters have the following four advantages:

1、 It is to make the data collected remotely more objective and accurate. Through the electric procurement system, the power marketing business system can real-time read customers' electricity consumption information such as voltage, current, and electricity consumption, and provide users with better services through big data applications. For example, it can more timely and accurately grasp the electricity quality situation of end users, and actively solve low voltage and other electricity quality problems in a timely manner.

2、 It can provide faster response when electrical faults occur.

3、 It is to prevent human errors caused by manual meter reading.

4、 IoT smart meters can accurately analyze the electricity consumption of each appliance at every moment, combined with smart home control systems. Not only can it help identify high energy consuming appliances, but it can also intelligently, reasonably, and economically plan the use of household appliances based on electricity pricing policies and human demand, achieving energy conservation and consumption reduction.

From a technical perspective, IoT smart meters replace the IC read-write module of prepaid meters with wireless communication modules, and can be remotely controlled through software platforms, making it more convenient for storage and other processes. In addition, the management of electricity usage by the management unit is also more convenient. Through software, the electricity meter can be remotely reset, making it easier for both parties to calculate costs. This is particularly practical for rental buildings, and there will no longer be disputes over electricity bills with tenants.Therefore, some professionals believe that in terms of technology and usage reputation, IoT smart meters may replace prepaid meters.

So what do you think？