Is it profitable or not to use two-tariff meters?

The cost of electricity is constantly rising, and every time bills from energy sales companies arrive, despondency sets in. Consumers often wonder how they can legally save on electricity without paying huge sums of money. One solution to this issue is the installation of a two-tariff meter. But is this method of saving suitable for the average consumer? Is a two-tariff meter still beneficial or not?

Classification of electricity meters

Electricity metering devices differ in the number of tariff zones. Their difference is that they are divided into single-tariff and multi-tariff.

A single-tariff meter records the consumption of electrical energy around the clock at one tariff.

In turn, multi-tariff electricity meters are divided into subtypes:

• accounting for two zones (two tariffs): day (peak) zone T1 and night T2;
• accounting for three zones (three tariffs): peak zone T1, half-peak zone T2 and night T3;
• metering in four zones (four tariffs): designed for metering electricity of large enterprises.

A multi-tariff meter records the volume of electricity at a certain time of day (zones). In Russia, no more than three tariffs are accounted for.

INCOTEX Mercury 230 ART-01 CN 5(60) A

Multi-tariff metering meter, controls reactive and active parameters, power, measures other network parameters in 3-4 phase options. The accumulated information is sent for storage to data collection centers. The INCOTEX Mercury 230 model is installed strictly in enclosed spaces.

Accounting is carried out separately for all tariffs and amounts, which is very convenient. Energy values ​​are available for the beginning and end of the previous day, readings reset, and other periods. You can create descriptions of tariffs. Each month of the year will be programmed on an individual schedule.

Advantages:

• detailed measurement of all characteristics of the electrical network;
• instant recording of values;
• long-term data storage;
• keeping a log of all events;
• adequate price;
• high reliability.

Flaws:

• It will take time to understand the functionality.

The principle of operation of a two-tariff meter

It is not difficult to understand how a two-tariff electricity meter works and what is the difference between a single-tariff and multi-tariff electricity meter. It records energy consumption in two periods: during the day from 7.00 to 23.00 and at night - from 23.00 to 7.00. This differentiated metering by zone is what distinguishes a two-tariff meter from a conventional single-tariff meter, which records data around the clock at one tariff.

Electrical energy consumed in private or apartment buildings during the day varies greatly, which can be clearly seen on the load graph of an apartment building.

An example of a daily load schedule for an apartment building.

The graph shows that at night, from approximately 1.30 to 6.00, the amount of electricity consumed is the lowest. And the peak load occurs in the evening from 18.00 to 22.00.

Such a schedule can be a strong motivation to use electrical appliances at night. Household appliances with high energy consumption (washing machine, dishwasher, electric kettle, microwave oven, iron, air conditioner) are preferably used during lower peak loads, and their use at night will allow you to save a lot of money.

Energy meter CE 301 R33 145-JAZ 5(60) A

The multifunctional three-phase meter Energomera CE 301 measures and records active energy in 3-4 wire circuits. The device can operate in a couple of directions at once; this is the organization of multi-tariff accounting. It involves storing and submitting accumulated information for its analysis, recording, and calculation of the cost of payments. A meter that transmits readings is more expensive than most meters, but is as convenient and functional as possible.

Installation is carried out in a din-rail and shield. Data is stored for 128 days, intervals for profiles can be configured. It is possible to manually adjust the clock rate up to 30 seconds per day; adjustments are made maximum once a day. The progress is accurate, calculated indicators are stored for 16 years or more, adjustments are also recorded. An external switching device is provided to control the loads.

Advantages:

• multifunctionality;
• saving a significant amount of data;
• load management by connecting an external switch;
• indication of data with their subsequent display on the LCD display;
• power supply from phases and line voltage;
• automatic calibration, accounting of all parameters.

Flaws:

• the price of the meter is above average.

Calculation of the economic effect of switching to a two-tariff meter

Before making a decision to replace a single-tariff meter, it is advisable to calculate the efficiency of switching to a two-tariff electric meter.

Regional authorities independently determine tariffs for the supply of eclectic energy, so the cost per kilowatt-hour in each subject of the Russian Federation is different. Tariffs usually change every six months. And their changes, unfortunately, are only increasing.

As an example for calculation, you can take tariffs for the first half of 2022 in the Lipetsk region.

Single-rate tariff - 3.67 rubles. per kW/h.

Two-zone tariff:

• day - 4.22 rub. per kW/h;
• night — 2.20 rub. per kW/h.

The difference between the consumption of electrical energy during the day and at night is almost 2 times different and amounts to 2.02 rubles. per kW/h.

During the same period in the Irkutsk region, prices differ:

Single-rate tariff - 1.11 rubles. per kW/h.

Two-zone tariff:

• day - 1.27 rub. per kW/h;
• night — 0.74 rub. per kW/h.

The difference in the Irkutsk region was only 0.53 rubles. per kW/h.

Using the examples of two regions, we can conclude: in the Lipetsk region, the transition to a two-tariff meter will become feasible, but in the Irkutsk region it is practically unprofitable.

Therefore, before installing a new meter, it is worth analyzing the cost of electricity in your region, assessing the economic effect and considering whether it is profitable or not.

Energy meter CE 102M S7 145-JV 5(60) A

Multi-tariff energy meter Energomera CE 102M, this example is installed in a panel. The device measures active electricity in circuits with alternating current. Accounting is organized according to 4 tariffs with the transfer of previously accumulated data via an optical interface. Readings can be taken in the absence of mains voltage. The data is shown on the display in any case.

Calibration intervals are 16 years, which is the standard period for this category of equipment. The average time between failures is 220 thousand hours. Service life is about 30 years, sometimes more. Warranty 5-7 years, depending on year of manufacture. There is an electronic seal. A shunt is used as a current sensor, this minimizes the risk of theft using a magnet.

Advantages:

• multifunctionality, user-friendly interface;
• monitoring network parameters in real time;
• indicator resistance to electromagnetic fields;
• the ability to take readings in the absence of voltage;
• presence of indicator backlight.

Flaws:

• Sometimes there is a defect, otherwise there are no shortcomings.

Selecting a meter, its cost and installation

You can purchase an electrical energy meter at any electrical goods store. Sales consultants will tell you what a two-tariff meter is, which ones are good, and give advice on choosing an electronic device. The cost of equipment depends on the manufacturer, model, accuracy class and service life.

A brief overview of budget electronic (static) electricity meters.

*According to the website https://lipetsk.220-volt.ru.

1. TAIPIT NEVA MT 124 AS OR 1ph 5-60A 220V.

2. INCOTEX MERCURY 206 RN 1ph 5-60A 1.0/2.0.

3. ENERGOMERA 459547 CE 102 R5.1 145 J 1ph 5-60A

4. SOE-55/50Sh-T-112 MZEP.

More expensive two-tariff meters with advanced functionality are also sold, but not always expensive ones with many functions that are much better than usual. Still, the main task of the device is to correctly record data.

Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the accuracy class, verification time and the availability of additional maintenance for a multi-tariff meter.

INCOTEX Mercury 206 RN 5(60) A

The Mercury 206 meter maintains multi-tariff accounting, measures network parameters and stores the received information. Additionally, the device generates a line of events and provides information to the centers of automated accounting systems. The meter can only be installed in enclosed spaces (not outdoors); high air humidity is not permissible.

The energy is taken into account from the moment the readings are reset, for the last 180 days and 4 years for the last reporting period. The rater has the most detailed settings. The power profile averaging time is 30 minutes. Fixing of all parameters with transfer is available.

Advantages:

• the event log;
• convenient external power supply;
• wireless interfaces;
• presence of a pulse type output, built-in relay;
• precise filling;
• LCD indication when the network is disconnected.

Flaws:

• all the advantages are valid if the device body is properly fixed - invite a specialist.

Calculation of consumed electrical energy

On average, electricity consumption in a 3-room apartment with an area of ​​60 sq.m per month is approximately 250–300 kW. In winter, consumption increases due to short and cold days, and in summer, on the contrary, it decreases.

Before choosing a single-tariff or two-tariff electric meter, you need to analyze the amount of electricity consumed by time of day, your daily routine, what time your working day starts and ends. If the main peak and consumer activity occurs at night, then it is better to install a two-tariff meter. With a more detailed analysis of electricity use, you can install a three-tariff electricity meter, if this is most appropriate.

The cost of installation work varies in each region. The price for the service ranges from 500 to 1500 rubles. Installing a two-tariff electricity meter is a short process, but requires high professionalism of an electrician.

Buy an electricity meter for your apartment on a din rail or with bolts

The meters have one more difference - the method of fastening. Manufacturers produce equipment in two versions:

• with DIN rail mounting
• with bolt mounting

DIN rail mounting is most often used in boxes and electrical panels inside buildings and premises. In apartment buildings, the registrar is located on the site or right in the apartment. The installation diagram can be different, a separate meter in the box and separate circuit breakers and RCDs, or all together on one panel. When installing together, it is better to take a modular meter on a DIN rail.

Bolt mounting is more often used in outdoor switchboards, for example, in input and distribution devices of private houses. Bolted fastening secures the equipment more reliably and protects against shifts and loss of contact.

Most meters are installed inside houses, either in the city or outside the city. According to operating rules, devices must operate in a heated room or in a heated panel. DIN rail models are the best option for installation inside buildings; they are easy to install and dismantle.

What to do if the house is old and the meter is bolted, but you want a new modular one? Take it and tell your comrades from the energy sales that you want mounting on a rail. Fixing the DIN rail into an old panel is not difficult at all, it takes about 5 minutes.

Important point!
In fact, the energy supply must seal the new meter and register it. That is, replacing old equipment with new can be done by any qualified electrician with an access group of at least third.

Calculation of economic benefits

To calculate savings, you need to compare costs for two types of metering devices.

Example.

Consumption in winter is 300 kW per month. Tariff - 3.67 per kW/h. Thus, with a single-tariff meter installed, the consumer will have to pay for the services: 300×3.67 = 1101.00 rubles.

Consumption in winter is 300 kW per month, but 100 kW is during the day and 200 kW at night. The volume of kilowatts is calculated separately, each according to its own tariff. Day – 100×4.22=422.00 rub., night – 200×2.20=440.00 rub. The total amount for the two-tariff meter for the month will be 862.00 rubles.

Now the difference is calculated and the savings are determined: 1101.00−862.00=239.00 rub.

Over the course of a year, a larger amount comes out: 239.00×12=2868.00 rubles.

Using economic calculations as an example, it is obvious that installing a two-tariff meter allows you to save a lot of money.

Why do you need an electric meter?

Electricity is not a free resource that every person needs in the modern world. Electricity consumption is strictly controlled by management companies. In case of prolonged non-payment, office representatives have the right to disconnect subscribers from the general network. Control is carried out using special devices.

The equipment is installed in every apartment, house, institution and production facilities. Due to significantly different energy consumption and differences in the design of engineering systems, manufacturers offer several types of electricity meters. This becomes the reason for the actualization of an important issue for the consumer: how to choose the right electric meter.

Payback period for purchasing a new device

If you buy the cheapest device, for example, for 1450.00 rubles, then it will pay for itself in 6–7 months: 1450.00/239.00=6.07. When purchasing a more expensive device, for example, for 2660.00 rubles. — the payback period will be approximately one year: 2660.00/239.00=11.1.

If we include the cost of services for installing the device (on average 700 rubles), then the payback in the case of purchasing two meters of different prices will be:

• Let's calculate in the first case: (1450.00+700.00)/239.00=9;
• and in the second case: (2660.00+700.00)/239.00=14.

Even if you pay for the services of an installation specialist, the payback is quick and will be 9 and 14 months.

All calculations were carried out approximately, so each consumer must make an independent calculation based on his readings and the tariffs of energy sales companies.

Let's sum it up

The online store 220pro.ru offers high-quality electric meters in a wide range of Russian and European production. Everything is done according to GOST standards, with the correct documents and valid verification dates

Come in and choose your counter!

Ask what is unclear or just interesting. As they say in Odessa, “we still have something to tell you!”

If necessary, we will assemble and deliver a turnkey installation kit from the meter to the DIN rails and fasteners. We will take into account your wishes regarding price and preferences for “brands and companies”.

Call and ask! Phones

Calculation of savings in houses with installed electric stoves

Residents of high-rise buildings do not have gas supply, since the pressure in gas pipes can only reach 10 floors. According to the plan, apartments in such houses are equipped exclusively with electric stoves.

In houses equipped with stationary electric stoves and electric heating installations, the electricity tariff is significantly lower.

Before leaving a single-tariff meter or installing a two-tariff meter, you need to understand whether this is beneficial in terms of electrifying the entire house, take this fact into account and carry out the calculation.

As an example for the calculation, we took the cost of the tariff rate for residents living in houses with installed stationary electric stoves and electric heating installations for the first half of 2022 in the Lipetsk region.

Single-rate tariff - 2.57 rubles. per kW/h.

Two-zone tariff:

• day - 2.96 rub. per kW/h;
• night — 1.54 rub. per kW/h.

Estimated consumption in winter is 300 kW per month. Single-rate tariff - 2.57 per kW/h. Thus, with a single-tariff meter, the consumer will pay for the services of energy sales companies: 300 × 2.57 = 771.00 rubles.

Consumption in winter is also 300 kW per month, but 100 kW is during the day and 200 kW at night. The volume of kilowatts is calculated at a tariff differentiated between two zones. Day – 100×2.96=296.00 rub., night – 200×1.54=308.00 rub. The total amount for a two-tariff meter per month will be 604.00 rubles.

Calculation of the difference and determination of savings: 771.00−604.00=167.00 rub. per month, and per year - 167.00 × 12 = 2004.00 rubles.

The savings are slightly lower than in houses with gasification, but over time, for example, over a year it still turns out to be quite a significant amount. In houses with built-in electric stoves, the consumer himself chooses the optimal metering tariff for him and whether the electric meter needs to be replaced.

Electricity meter for apartment - verification date

Let's start with the official part. The PUE states that a single-phase apartment meter must have “seals with the stamp of the state verifier... no more than 2 years old,” and a three-phase meter in a private house must have state verification seals “not older than 12 months.”

Verification is performed at the factory after assembly of the device. The corresponding stamp with the date is placed in the passport and on the meter seal. Theoretically, stores should track the “expiration date” by verification, but in practice this is not done everywhere. That is, you can buy an electricity meter for an apartment or house with an expired verification date. And it will not be registered without a new verification. In addition, you will be penalized for “lack of a metering device” from the energy supply.

Therefore, when choosing and purchasing, be sure to look at the verification date in the documents and on the meter. It must be within the specified limits, clearly legible in the passport and especially on the seal. An unclear print may “upset” the energy sales inspector. You will also be sent to check the equipment and will be punished for its absence. In general, “the second act of the Marlezon ballet.”

The online store 220pro.ru sells meters with an expiration date for verification, with clearly readable seals and correct documents. With us you get equipment that is reliable in all respects.

Instructions for switching to a two-tariff meter

When the decision to switch has been made, you can replace the old electric meter with a new device.

To do this, the following algorithm of actions is observed:

1. Submit an application to the regional energy sales company for installation of a two-tariff meter in person, or through your personal account on the official website.
2. Purchase a suitable multi-tariff meter.
3. Pay for services to replace the electric meter.
4. Within 10 working days, an employee of the energy sales company will come and take readings from the old meter, dismantle it, install a new one, put it into operation and seal it.
5. Sign a certificate of completion of work on commissioning, a service agreement.

You can buy an electric meter directly from the energy sales company itself, which often provide this opportunity and offer two-tariff meters. It is prohibited to independently dismantle an old metering device or break seals and is punishable by a fine.

Video description

This video is about smart meters: what are they and should you be afraid of installing them:
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in electrical work of any complexity

Electricians' note

It is worth noting the observations of specialists, which are based on the requirement to move meters in the private sector to the street. Based on Resolution No. 442, paragraph 138, the accuracy class should be at least second. Such a device can be used in conditions from -20 to +55 degrees Celsius with a humidity level of up to 80%. With other indicators, the error in the meter readings increases. Although the companies that control expenses claim that a coefficient has been introduced for calculating payments that takes this fact into account.

Installation of equipment on the street Source electro-znatok.ru

Features when deciding to switch to a two-tariff electricity meter

Before installing a new meter, there are a number of factors to consider:

• tariffs for the supply of electrical energy and differentiation by zone in the regions of Russia vary;
• there is no guarantee that the cost difference between the “day” and “night” time zones will not change downwards;
• the electric meter must be installed by a specialist;
• consider payback;
• apply an individual approach;
• take into account the absence of gasification when making calculations.

It is impossible to answer the question which meter is better, single-tariff, two-tariff or three-tariff. Their differences lie in the accounting of electrical energy by time of day. Each case is considered individually, since the lifestyle and daily routine, the number of residents, the presence of household appliances with high energy consumption and other factors are taken into account. Each consumer can independently carry out a simple calculation, determine what is more profitable, decide to switch to multi-tariff electricity meters and install it.

Electricity meter for an apartment - design and characteristics

To understand how to choose, you need to know what we are choosing. As the rabbit in Winnie the Pooh said: “I come in different forms!”, the same picture applies to counters.

Induction and electronic

First of all, metering devices are divided by design.

Induction counter

was invented a long time ago and until recently only it was used. This is a familiar disk drive that is located on the site or right in the apartment. Inside such a device there are two magnetic coils, current and voltage. Their magnetic field rotates a disk connected to a counting mechanism, which takes into account the kilowatts used.

A distinctive feature of the induction meter is its reliability and long service life. According to the passport, at least 15 years, but in fact, such “electricity accountants” have been quietly working for 30-50 years. But the accuracy of the measurement is rather weak, as they say, only large fish are caught, and weak loads are missed.

Electronic counter

measures flow directly and appeared not so long ago. There are no moving measuring parts in it; consumption data is shown on the indicator board. An electronic recorder can store consumption figures and transmit them, for example, in automated smart home systems.

New devices can calculate energy consumption at several tariffs with high accuracy. Which, by the way, can be increased if you replace the microcircuit. Everything is taken into account, even the most minimal load from equipment in sleep mode.

Manufacturers promise that they will work for at least 10-15 years, but so far none have reached this age; they appeared only recently. As for reliability, we can say that the electronics can be glitchy, but in general, if done well, it works just as well.

Single-phase or three-phase meter for an apartment

Since electrical networks are single-phase, with a voltage rating of 220 V, and three-phase, with a voltage of 380 V, meters are produced in different types.

Most apartment residents have a single-phase electric meter. Our household electrical networks are designed for 220 Volts, as are home electrical appliances. Is a three-phase meter needed in an apartment with a single-phase network? More likely no than yes. Theoretically, if installed, it will keep track of electricity correctly. But the energy sales organization will simply refuse to register it.

A three-phase meter is usually needed in a private home. Much of the equipment there (boilers, water heaters, electric motors) runs on a three-phase network with a voltage of 380 V. There is also a 220-volt electricity meter in the house. He calculates the consumption of a single-phase network, that is, he is responsible for lighting and working irons, kettles, washing machines, TVs, etc.

Advice!
For an apartment, it is enough to buy a single-phase electronic electricity meter.