From July 1, 2021, network organizations and guaranteeing suppliers began to install smart metering devices, so-called “smart” meters, which can themselves transmit indicators. According to the law, from July 1, 2021, it is still possible to install conventional meters, and from the beginning of 2022, it is necessary to use exclusively telemetric devices connected to smart metering systems.
As stated in Government Decree No. 554 of April 18, 2020, meters with expired verification for citizens are not out of order until January 1, 2021. Accordingly, verification and replacement of serviceable devices with new ones may not be carried out until this date.
In what cases is replacement made?
There are several possible events that require replacing the meter:
- First of all, in 2006 the government decided that all electricity meters should be replaced if they have an accuracy class of more than 2.0. (As a rule, outdated devices include mechanical meters with the well-known spinning disk);
- if the meter has traces of mechanical damage - for example, the glass is broken or the mechanism itself does not work;
- if the device functions incorrectly, the amount of electricity consumed is calculated incorrectly, the indicators differ from the real ones;
- if the consumer has switched to a payment method based on several tariffs, then it is necessary to replace the existing meter with a multi-tariff one.
What are the advantages of smart meters?
The main advantage of smart meters is the complete automation of the data collection process. The devices will independently transmit information about energy consumption to the electricity supply organization. Devices will be able to transmit indicators directly via a home Wi-Fi network, a mobile phone or a SIM card installed in the meter.
One of the main goals of installing smart metering devices is to transfer responsibility for non-payment of bills to the direct violator, and not to divide the amount of the debt of the defaulter among all consumers through the tariff.
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Who is legally required to pay for the replacement of the old meter?
The metering device is considered the property of the consumer, which means that the owner of the premises in which the device is installed must pay for the replacement. However, in some situations, the meter may belong to the supplier or be transferred to the housing and communal services for maintenance. In such cases, replacement is made free of charge.
Important! If the housing is municipally owned, then by law it is the municipality that is obliged to pay for the replacement of metering devices.
When do electricity meters change at their own expense?
As already mentioned, if the housing (apartment or private house) is privatized and owned, then the consumer must pay for the replacement.
Do I have to pay to install new electricity meters?
The installation will be carried out free of charge for citizens by the company that services energy facilities. Since electric meters are most often located outside residential premises, their installation and dismantling is expected without special notice to residents.
According to amendments to the law of March 26, 2003 No. 35-FZ “On Electric Power Industry”, electricity suppliers are required to purchase, install, change, put into operation and operate electricity meters, other equipment, as well as software necessary to ensure electricity metering .
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Replacing the meter yourself - procedure and requirements
Which electric meter to choose
Devices should be selected based on the following classifications:
- current consumption - variable or constant;
- number of phases – one (50 V) or three (380 V);
- number of tariffs – one or several;
- type of device - mechanical or electronic.
- connection type - direct or through a transformer.
Mechanical meters are most often replaced with more modern electronic ones. The fact is that mechanical devices have the following disadvantages:
- it is impossible to take readings automatically;
- When metering electricity, very significant errors occur;
- can take into account only one tariff;
- they can be easily adjusted to reflect underestimates;
- Difficult to install and operate.
Thus, most often, electronic devices are installed that are devoid of all of the above disadvantages. Reference! This device is based on a special device that electronically calculates the electricity consumed and records the readings. Such meters allow you to take into account any amount of electricity; they can be installed both in an apartment and in a private house.
Multi-tariff meters are also quite often installed. The essence of their work is to calculate energy depending on the time of day, which leads to lower costs compared to charging at a single tariff.
Attention! The possibility of calculating electricity indicators at several tariffs does not exist in all regions of Russia.
There are the most modern meters that have a liquid crystal display and a digital interface. Their disadvantage is their high cost, so consumers often choose simpler devices.
Preparation of necessary documents
According to the law, it is unacceptable to replace an electric meter without permission from the energy sales company. The following actions must be taken:
- Prepare a passport (identity card) and documents confirming ownership of the premises in which the replacement should be made. In the absence of the owner, it is necessary to issue a power of attorney.
- With the prepared documents, contact the supplier (Energosbyt) and write a statement, indicating the reason for replacing the device.
The utility company must accept the application and send a specialist to determine whether replacement is actually required. Then he removes the seals and records the last accrued readings.
Important! After the seals are removed, the cost of consumed energy will be determined at a special inflated tariff, which does not take into account real consumption.
Removing and installing the meter
Dismantling the old meter and installing a new one is usually carried out by an Energosbyt specialist, but you can replace it yourself if you are confident in your qualifications. You need to do the following:
Where to go to replace the meter
If the metering device installed in relation to the user has failed or the meter’s calibration interval has expired, then it is necessary to leave a corresponding request:
- Owners of apartment buildings who have direct contractual relations with the guaranteeing supplier Mosenergosbyt JSC must contact the company directly. Users can submit an application by calling Mosenergosbyt JSC +7 (499) 550-9-550 (daily from 8:30 to 20:30);
- Residents of apartment buildings who do not have a direct contractual relationship with Mosenergosbyt JSC must contact the company either directly or through the organization managing the apartment building;
- residents of the private sector to a network organization to whose networks the household is connected. Or by network phone 8-800-700-40-70;
- You can contact Mosenergosbyt JSC directly on a specially designated telephone number +7 (499) 550-33-77 . Electrical installation in Moscow and the Moscow region is carried out by calling +7 (499) 229-82-54 (daily, from 8.30 to 20.30);
- You can directly order the meter and the service in the online store of Mosenergosbyt JSC or by phone +7 (495) 388-87-77;
- Visit one of the company’s nearby offices and there, at the office of Mosenergosbyt JSC, write an application to replace the meter. It is possible to leave a request through the “My Mosenergosbyt” mobile application or send a letter by mail.
To apply for a replacement electric meter, it is not necessary to personally go to the resource supply organization. To submit an application for replacement of a metering device, you can send a request in writing to the e-mail of Mosenergosbyt JSC
When contacting, please provide the following information:
- Your full name and personal account number/detailed address;
- Your contact phone number;
- entrance, floor, intercom code;
- the reason for the need to replace the meter;
- provide the meter readings as of the date of application;
- Is access to the metering device free (free access/locked/locked).
You can also fill out an application online in the personal account of the user of Mosenergosbyt JSC. You can do this as follows:
- log into your account on the organization’s page (enter your login and password);
- Select the “services” section in the menu;
- check whether the “supplier” and “personal account” are indicated correctly
- select the type of service you need;
- Click the “order” button and in the form that opens, after checking, click the “confirm” button.
After the master from Mosenergosbyt JSC installs the metering device, he must put a seal on the new meter and issue you a certificate of work performed.
The guaranteeing supplier or the Network organization, which is entrusted with the responsibility for replacing metering devices, notifies the consumer and the management company in advance about the date and time of the metering device being put into operation (replacement/installation of the meter).
The above-mentioned applications can be left either on the website or by calling the organization’s hotline +7 (499) 550-9-550.
How to apply for a replacement electric meter online
There are several ways you can communicate the need for replacement. The simplest is to use the RosChet website.
The website contains a special form for receiving citizens' requests. As a last resort, if there is no such form, you can send a regular email to the address specified in the contact information.
In a letter or appeal, you must clearly state the reason for replacing the meter and leave your contact details, which can be contacted to coordinate the time of arrival of the team.
This can also be done using bots in common instant messengers. This opportunity is currently available only to residents of Moscow and several other large cities, which already actively use a unified infrastructure that helps receive requests from citizens automatically. Every year the list of cities is updated, so it is necessary to follow the news regarding resource supply organizations of settlements that are of interest to the subscriber.
Recommendations for purchasing a new meter
Regardless of the type of meter purchased (induction, electronic, multi-tariff, single-phase, three-phase), in addition to wondering how much the device costs, you need to pay attention to its following characteristics.
- Check the date of the initial meter inspection. PUE (Rules for the Construction of Power Installations) regulate the possibility of installing a metering device if two years have not passed since the initial inspection for single-phase meters and one year for three-phase ones.
- The brand of the meter should be agreed upon with the energy supply organization. It may not be suitable for the accuracy class and in this case will not be accepted for use.
- Check the presence and integrity of seals on the metering device. To access them if you don't know where they are, ask the seller for their location.
- Carefully inspect the meter housing. There should not be any damage to it. The presence of even a small crack will be grounds for refusal to accept the device for operation.
- Be sure to fill out the warranty documents and keep the receipt in case of a factory malfunction of the meter to return it to the store.
What is regulated
The procedure for performing work on installing and replacing individual metering devices is regulated by the following legislative acts:
- Federal Law No. 28-FZ, adopted in 1996 with amendments made in 2008.
- Law of the Russian Federation No. 4871-1, approved in 1993, as amended in 2003. Open file
- Russian GOST 52321-05, establishing requirements for devices of classes from 0.5 to 2. Open file
Responsibility for the safety of this property is established by Art. 210 Civil Code of the Russian Federation.
Electricity meter rules and terms
According to the rules established by law, violation of the procedure for replacing and removing the seal from an old meter entails a fine. At the same time, it is possible to use a recalculation based on already paid energy consumption for the last three years at the maximum tariff.
The electric meter must be operated according to the service life specified in the device passport. When the period has expired, the owner is obliged to contact the energy saving company, and it must send a specialist to replace the electric meter within 10 days.
What if the meter is broken?
If you find problems that require repair of the electricity meter, you should contact your energy sales office. There is no need to try to repair the device yourself, which could lead to breaking the seal, since breaking the seal will result in penalties being applied to the owner.
To eliminate the malfunction, you need to write a statement to the energy supply organization indicating the breakdown and the address of the premises. They are required to coordinate the departure of the master. The electrician will check the condition of the seal and diagnose the problem and draw up the appropriate report. If the meter cannot be repaired, it will need to be replaced.
Video description
The correct installation of a single-phase meter is shown in this video:
Three-phase
Electricity meters of this type are replaced only in cases where significant amounts of electricity consumption are required. At the output, the devices can produce both 220 Volts and 380 Volts; these are optimal indicators for many types of production equipment. In addition, three-phase devices prevent any voltage fluctuations.
Connecting a three-phase meter is much more complicated, unlike a single-phase one, this will require a higher level of training from an electrician Source elektro.guru
Step-by-step instructions on how to change an electricity meter:
- the power cable has 3 phases, neutral and ground;
- the phase is connected to the 1st, 3rd and 5th contact;
- the equipment is tested and possible faults are identified;
- electricity is supplied from the remaining free contacts;
- The grounding is fixed to a special bus, while zero is supplied to the “ground”.
Who should change and at whose expense the work is performed
The issues of determining the contractor to perform the work to replace the electric meter and their payment depend on the ownership of the device.
In the apartment
If the apartment is privatized, the owner of the property is fully responsible for the serviceability of the meter and its replacement, if necessary. The owner of the living space independently buys a new device.
A person who has received an electrical safety group of at least third in accordance with the established procedure is allowed to perform work in the specified and any other conditions.
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Residents of a municipal apartment enter into social rental agreements with local authorities. Accordingly, issues regarding metering devices must be resolved by the municipality, fully paying for this work.
The device is replaced by an organization with which local authorities have entered into an appropriate agreement to carry out maintenance and replacement of electricity meters.
In a private house
For those living in a private house, the situation is similar to the owners of a privatized apartment. These issues are resolved and paid for by the property owners. Exceptions apply to housing owned by the municipality and rented out.
On the landing (at the entrance)
The staircase landing, together with the meters located there, should be classified as common property. Therefore, responsibility for the safety, replacement and maintenance of equipment rests with the management company of the specified house. However, homeowners should take into account the conditions stipulated in the agreement concluded with the management company. This document defines the rules for financing and servicing devices.
