Experimenting Remote KWh Meter Reading through Low-Voltage Power Lines at Dense Housing Estates

Abstract

Deregulation, freer customer choice, and open market competition are occurring in the energy supply market. These changes necessitate the automating of kilowatt-hour reading for most energy suppliers. Power lines are readily available and making the full use of them is most desirable to the energy suppliers. However, the power line is a hostile communication environment and it is imperative to know its characteristics. This paper describes a prototype automated meter reading system using the power lines and frequency shift keying modulation operating in the EN 50065-1 A Band. Its performance and reliability aspects are also presented.