Smart metering and systems to support a conscious use of water and electricity

Brazilian water and electricity utilities demand management tools to allow their customers to analyze, monitor and control their consumption of these goods. From a social perspective, efficiency requires involved and active of clients who can monitor and audit the actual consumed amounts as well as the values saved as new habits are established. In response to this twofold demand, the proposed system automates remote metering and sub-metering of water and electricity (internal to the residence, installed at interest points) and is integrated into a structured knowledge tool. This integration environment receives the collected electricity and water meter measurements. It provides customers and utility companies with compiled reports containing the historical use, daily and hourly forecasts, and projected savings due to changes in consumption habits and/or use of more efficient equipment. For developing countries with social diversity, such as Brazil, this tool can make a difference in raising awareness by identifying actual consumption. Moreover, this solution adds a new component to the relationship between energy businesses and clients/customers, who can audit and verify their consumption as well as check the reliability of the energy/water service provided. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.