145. INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN SMART METERING SYSTEMS

Abstract

The transformation of a power grid into a Smart Grid is embedded by the development of twoway communication and an architecture that meets current and future needs of both power and communication networks. Smart metering systems (SMS) represent a great opportunity for maximal utilization of existing infrastructure, allowing better mon¬itoring and management. Furthermore, the opportunitiesemerging from new consumption solutions, provide additional capa¬bilities for SMS. This paper provides a review of the basic components of the smart metering systems infrastucture and their communication technologies. Emphasis is on power line communication (PLC)) technology and the opportrunities it intro¬duces in smart mastering systems. The paper also provides a brief overview of implementation of SMS in Macedonia.