FAQ

Yes. Although rare, interference from PLC (Power Line Communication) with touch lamp light fixtures is possible. In most cases, the problem occurs with light fittings that do not have a built-in filter and are therefore more vulnerable to this type of interference, which can also come from other electronic devices.

We would like to remind you that the grid operator's technical connection conditions for high-current installations with a maximum nominal voltage of 1000V stipulate in Article 9.3.4 that: “…it is the responsibility of the user of such electrical equipment to ensure that such interference is prevented by the installation of suitable technical means”. »

However, to reduce the impact of PLC signals on your touch lamps your network operator can:

• either offer you a filter free of charge, with a maximum power of 250W, to be simply connected between the socket and the plug of the lamp;
• or advise you to buy 63A filters, to be installed directly in the circuit downstream of your meter, to filter and avoid possible disturbance on the electrical network affecting your installations. These filters must be installed by an electrician.

These meters are not radio transmitters. However, like any electrical device, they create an electromagnetic field in their vicinity. In practice, the specific exposure linked to the transmission of data via power line communication (PLC) is very low and the transmissions are short: less than a minute for the collection of consumption data and a few seconds for the transmission of an event.

According to recent studies conducted by two separate organisations in homes in Luxembourg, the electric and magnetic fields emitted by smart meters in habitable areas remain well below the limits of the official ICNIRP standards, as well as the values of the EUROPAEM guidelines for day and night exposure. Therefore, PLC technology poses no known health risks. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is currently no scientific evidence to support a link between exposure to electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. However, people suffering from electro-hypersensitivity can opt for the (paid) installation of a specific filter.

The meters have been designed according to the standards in force, which are intended to ensure that they do not affect the operation of other household appliances.

Should the consumer so wish, the smart meter can provide extremely detailed consumption data via smart home applications. With the consumer's agreement, suppliers can offer new services based on the smart metering system, particularly in the field of controlling energy demand, such as access to data via smartphone applications, or the option to activate or deactivate household appliances remotely in order to allow customers to better control their consumption needs. In all cases, the customer retains control over their domestic appliances.

The consumption index can be read off the meter in the same way as with conventional meters. In addition, in the future, consumers will be able to connect a remote display or smart home system in order to consult their metering data in real time.

The network operator can read energy consumption and supply quality indicators remotely. It can also perform software updates and remotely control the two relays built into the electricity meter. Only devices connected to the built-in relays can be controlled remotely (e.g. electric hot water tank).

Data is transferred between the smart meter and the central system via the existing electrical network by means of Power Line Communication, also known as Power Line Carrier (PLC). In certain rural areas with low population density, it is sometimes technically necessary and economically more advantageous to use meters communicating via GPRS, which is a standard for mobile telephony derived from GSM.

Please note, the electricity meters act as a secure communication gateway with the gas meter, but they can also communicate, where necessary, with water and heat meters via a wired or radio link.

With the introduction of the smart meter, the consumer receives more detailed information on their consumption habits, enabling them to save energy by changing their behaviour.

Smart meters make it possible to read energy consumption remotely, meaning that staff do not have to disturb customers in order to read their meter on site.

Thanks to smart meters, electricity and natural gas providers will be able to offer customers increased flexibility for innovative pricing and invoicing based on supply and demand in energy markets. Suppliers will thus be able to offer new tariffs that better correspond to consumption habits and issue an invoice at any time of the year based on actual consumption instead of estimates.

A smart meter makes it possible to read energy consumption remotely, i.e. without having to travel to the consumer’s premises. The provision of near real-time information to the consumer will enable them to monitor and control their consumption and energy costs.

Smart meters are part of the reform of the energy markets aimed at encouraging active consumer participation. The smart meter is the first step towards the implementation of a smart electricity distribution network that uses computer technology to optimise decentralised production, distribution and consumption, especially with regard to electromobility, as well as to better coordinate supply and demand between electricity producers and consumers.

The deployment of smart meters is among the measures planned by the Luxembourg Government to enact the European energy directive into national law.