Design and cost analysis of an automatic meter reading system for Electricité du Liban

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of a study for modernizing the electricity metering, billing and collection processes for Electricité du Liban (EDL), the national power company of Lebanon. The objective of this study is to provide EDL with the best alternatives for modernizing their electricity metering of low-voltage customers. These customers are currently being metered using a variety of old and new electromechanical meters. The metering process at EDL is manual, and prone to errors. The existing system does not provide EDL with reliable methods to readily check bills, identify problematic customers, and reduce fraud. Therefore, EDL’s modernization requirements include an automated system capable of enhancing current metering processes, minimizing fraud, and maximizing revenue collection. This paper will describe the functional requirements of EDL and investigate the feasibility of using Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology to satisfy these requirements. Both procedural and equipment modernization techniques will be identified and assessed. The proposed modernization system will make EDL’s metering activities as advanced as those of modern utilities. Most importantly, with the modernized system, EDL will regain the confidence of its customers, and would become a highly reputable and revenue generating organization.