Keeping electrical addresses current with AI in smart metering programmes

Smart metering programs are being implemented worldwide to modernise electricity distribution systems and improve energy management. Smart meters replace traditional electricity meters with digital devices that record electricity consumption in real time and transmit this information to utility companies. These devices provide detailed data about electricity usage patterns, enabling utilities to monitor demand more accurately, improve billing systems, and detect anomalies such as electricity theft.

However, large-scale smart metering deployments also create new challenges related to network data management. Utilities must maintain accurate records of how each consumer is connected to the electricity distribution network. This information includes the relationships between individual consumers, transformers, feeders, and substations. In many cases, these “electrical addresses” are outdated or incomplete due to years of infrastructure modifications and undocumented changes.

For additional context and detailed documentation of this use case, please refer to pages 34-36 in the attached Casebook.