AMR Meters vs Smart Meters
As businesses, property managers, and building owners look to improve energy efficiency and gain clearer oversight of their energy use, the choice between standard smart meters and advanced meter monitoring solutions is an important one.
This comparison highlights the key differences between standard smart meters and AMR meter monitors to help you choose the best solution for your needs.
What is a smart meter?
A standard smart meter automatically records energy usage and sends this data to your supplier, mainly for billing purposes. While it removes the need for manual meter readings, the information it provides is often limited, with little real-time visibility or detailed insights for your business.
In the UK, smart meters are predominantly used by domestic and smaller non-domestic properties. All energy suppliers are mandated to take all reasonable steps to roll out smart meters to these consumers.
The two categories of smart meters:
Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications (SMETS) fall into two generations: SMETS 1 and SMETS 2.
SMETS 1
SMETS 1 meters were the first smart meters rolled out in the UK, primarily installed prior to 2018. These models generally rely on 3G mobile networks to send meter readings to your supplier. While they successfully eliminate the need for manual readings, they lose functionality after you switch energy suppliers.
SMETS 2
The newer model introduced in 2018 and now the industry standard, SMETS 2 meters relay data through a dedicated network - the secure, nationwide Data Communications Company (DCC) network. As they don’t rely on mobile signals, they offer more reliable connectivity, and SMETS 2 meters maintain functionality regardless of whether you change supplier.
What is an AMR meter monitor?
Automated Meter Reading (AMR) meters are a type of utility meter that automatically collects consumption data for electricity, gas, or water. Like smart meters, AMR meters also remove the need for manual readings by transmitting usage data at regular intervals, often via radio frequency or mobile networks. However, their full potential is only unlocked when connected to an AMR meter monitoring system.
When connected to a smart monitoring platform like SmarterView, an AMR meter monitor becomes a powerful utilities monitoring tool. The system delivers real-time visibility across all connected meters, enabling users to track usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions across multiple sites.
With a clear view of where, when, and how energy is used across multiple sites, AMR meter monitors help you identify savings, improve efficiency, and support ESG reporting.
Comparison of smart meter vs AMR meter monitor features
Smart meters are only smart if you can assess the data they hold. Most of the data they hold can often only be accessed by scrolling through the physical meter. Smarter Technologies’ monitors harvest all the data electronically and display it through the SmarterView dashboard.
|
Feature
|
Standard Smart Meters
|
Meter Monitors and SmarterView
|
| Data Destination and Readings | Data is collected and sent to suppliers. Customers can only access unscheduled data readings through manual checks. | Suppliers and customers can access real-time data anytime, from any connected device. Pre-programmable thresholds and alerts around undesirable metrics. |
| Network | Smart Meters - SMETS1 (early ones) use telecoms 2G & 3G protocols to transmit data. This can impact signal and with the scheduled shut down of 2G and 3G networks in coming years they will cease to transmit. | Consistent, accurate, reliable real-time data using Orion, The Real-Time Data Network™. |
| Data Insights | kWh readings require time-consuming, complex analysis for strategy and planning. | Easy to understand interface and configurable reporting around meaningful metrics for easy analysis. |
| Installation and Maintenance | May require professional installation and maintenance. | Easy to install, low-maintenance SIM-free and wireless technology. Retrofit to existing infrastructure with ease. Affordable and scalable. |
| Renewable Energy Sources | Not all traditional smart meters read renewable energy exports. | Real-time renewable energy generation insights available, as well as overall energy offset by renewables. |
| Smart Energy Management |
A stand-alone component for smart energy management. | Together with other smart water and utilities technologies, it creates a connected eco-system of data insights for holistic smart energy management practices. |
The benefits of AMR meter monitors over traditional smart meters
Smart meters are useful for capturing basic consumption data and automating billing, but for businesses looking to actively manage and optimise their utilities, they often don’t go far enough.
AMR meter monitors offer a more advanced solution. By delivering real-time data across electricity, gas, and water, and integrating with platforms like SmarterView, AMR technology gives you full visibility and control over your utility usage.
Whether you’re managing a single site or a large portfolio, this level of insight makes it easier to identify inefficiencies, respond quickly to issues, and make long-term savings.
Key benefits of AMR meter monitors:
Live data monitoring
Track usage in real time, across multiple utilities and locations.
Remote Access
View data from any connected device via a central dashboard.
Proactive Alerts
Receive automatic notifications for leaks or unusual consumption patterns.
Simple Reporting
Clear, configurable reports that help with budgeting, performance tracking, and ESG compliance.
Renewable Tracking
Monitor energy generated from renewables and measure your overall offset.
Flexible and Scalable
Easy to retrofit, low-maintenance, and built to scale with your needs.
Once you understand consumption, you are empowered to effect targeted changes and monitor their effects through accurate data insights. Compared to traditional smart meters, AMR monitors provide deeper insights, better control, and a stronger foundation for efficient and sustainable utility management.
Partner with Smarter Technologies for advanced AMR metering
While standard smart meters fulfill regulatory requirements and deliver essential billing data, they often fall short in delivering actionable, real-time insights that drive smarter energy strategies.
Meter monitors and the SmarterView platform bridge this gap by enabling instant data access, comprehensive reporting, and a scalable foundation for a connected eco-system of energy management insights. Investing in this technology empowers organisations to maximise utility efficiency, save costs by detecting waste and faults, and meet sustainability goals.
AMR meter monitors are a powerful tool for smarter energy and water. Smarter Technologies is here to help you tailor and implement solutions around your needs. Contact us to get started.
Want to learn how AMR can benefit your business?