CEDIS has successfully completed Phase III of the Remote Meter Reading and Consumption Management Project by installing around 335,000 electronic meters, bringing 81.5 per cent of Montenegro’s electricity consumption into the “smart metering system”. The project cost over €100 million and was financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The procurement of meters, installation works and auxiliary equipment, as well as consulting services for all project phases, was carried out in accordance with the EBRD’s procedures and rules.
Over the nine years since the first electronic meter was installed, the project has generated significant savings through a reduction in distribution network losses. Specifically, electricity losses, which stood at 20.13 per cent in 2012, had fallen to 12.93 per cent by 2020, representing savings of around 750,000 MWh, or over €50 million.
The transition to a “smart metering system” was preceded by a metering system with problematic efficiency, characterised not only by a high level of losses, but also by on-site reading of electricity consumption, difficulties accessing meters to read them and inspect metering points, and a lack of consumption monitoring across the system.
In addition to the key performance indicator, which, as noted, represents savings of over €50 million since the Project began, the following benefits have also been achieved:
- A collection rate of over 100 per cent;
- Remote reading, disconnection and inspection of metering points have been enabled – the reading rate for consumption covered by the AMM metering system has consistently stood at 99 per cent, while the rate for consumption metered using traditional meters is lower due to the field teams’ inability to access the meters;
- Remote meter reading has reduced the Company’s operating costs;
- For part of the consumption covered by the Project, metering points were relocated from private property to the property boundary, ensuring unimpeded access for inspection and maintenance;
- In certain transformer station areas, the low-voltage network was reconstructed, increasing the security and quality of supply;
- Customers can view detailed and accurate information on their electricity consumption at any time, both for the current and previous billing periods, enabling them to better manage their consumption.
The implementation of the “smart metering system” across more than 80 per cent of the consumption served by Montenegro’s distribution system has achieved the objectives set out in EU legal acts, exceeded the average for EU Member States and established a leading position in the region.
National legislation (the Energy Law) stipulates that the Electricity Distribution System Operator must equip at least 85 per cent of electricity customers with modern metering system devices. To meet this requirement, CEDIS is planning a fourth phase of the project.
