A smart meter is a high-performance system that collects
data on power consumption and transmits the data to power
utilities. It is able to collect detailed data on power consumption
in buildings and houses and transmits such data
to power utilities via the network. Users can also obtain information
on their power consumption charges in real time.
Smart meters are capable of two-way communication. When
receiving an order from the grid monitoring system to reduce
power demand (demand response program), the smart
meter manages the power consumption of the connected
appliances for which consumption is to be reduced. Toshiba
has concluded an agreement with Tokyo Electric Power
Company for an order of a communication system for smart
meters and is using Landis+Gyr AG’s international standard
communication technologies, which have a proven track record.
Toshiba has also acquired the U.S.-based Consert Inc., a
company with demand response-related technologies, with
a view to accelerating the speed of construction and overseas
development of infrastructure for smart grid systems,
including DR solutions.