Presented in a wide range in the corumtrade.ru online store, they are now in considerable demand. Accordingly, many consumers are interested in the question: how profitable are these devices, and how quickly will the costs pay off in the event of a switch to a multi-tariff electricity metering system?

What does the transition to multi-tariff accounting give?

At first glance, the benefits of using (CE102 S6 electricity meter) seem quite obvious and indisputable. However, how are things really going?

Principle of operation multi-tariff electric meter is that it can account for the consumption of electricity at several rates, taking into account the time. For example, if you have chosen a two-tariff electric meter (this type of multi-tariff metering devices is most in demand among ordinary consumers), then the metering of consumed electricity is divided into two parts: day mode and night (preferential) mode. A feature of the night mode is that the electricity consumed during this period of time is half the price of the day rate. It seems that everything is clear in theory, but in practice everything is not so simple.

An approximate calculation of the benefits from the transition to multi-tariff accounting

Purchase of a multi-tariff electric meter. Since the spread in prices for electricity meters is very large, for calculations we will take the average cost indicators, which is about one and a half thousand rubles (for that kind of money you can buy, say, a Mercury 200 electricity meter). Preparation of documents. This stage does not require large investments, however certain time will take anyway.

Counter installation. These works can be performed both by representatives of the energy sales company and by third-party specialists. The cost of such work is estimated from 300 to 1000 rubles, depending on the complexity. You will also have to fork out for programming the electric meter, which will amount to an additional 600-800 rubles. In total, the final amount is about three thousand rubles.

Now let's look at the real savings. The first step is to decide what equipment can be transferred to grace time. The most widespread "burner" of the electric power - the TV set. Let's say it works on average until one in the morning, which means that the savings are about 5 kilowatts per month.

You can also save on lighting. According to this indicator, you can get up to 10 kilowatts.

Fridge. Savings - up to 30 kW.

Washing machine. By programming the washing machine to work at night, say, 6-8 times a month, it will be possible to reduce energy consumption to 40 kW.

Other equipment. Such devices include telephones, tape recorders, receivers, the average total savings for which can be up to 5 kW.

Thus, the maximum that can be saved in a standard apartment when switching to multi-tariff accounting is about 80 kW per month. Converting kilowatts into money, it turns out that the savings are about 100-150 rubles. That is, the costs associated with the transition to multi-tariff electricity metering can pay off in about 2 years. This situation can change dramatically if your premises use electric boilers, air conditioners and other equipment that needs a lot of electricity and whose operation can be switched to night time. In this case, the costs will pay off much faster.

It is known that to control the consumption of electricity (regardless of the form of ownership of the consumer), special electronic devices are used, called electric meters. The use of such devices is explained by the need to account for electricity with the possibility of optimizing the mode of its consumption at this facility. At the same time, each consumer is connected to the power grid only after the installation and official inclusion in the supply chain of a conventional or multi-tariff electric meter, produced in accordance with applicable standards.

Features of multi-tariff accounting

More recently, the control of consumed electricity, as a rule, was carried out by conventional (single-tariff) devices, in which the amount of charges was determined at a fixed rate. At present, a program of transition to multi-tariff devices is being implemented throughout the country, which allows optimizing the consumption mode at any facilities. Multi-tariff electricity meters provide the ability to account for energy consumption depending on the current time of day, artificially divided into intervals provided for by the standards.

So, from 7:00 to 23:00 hours the device operates in the so-called "day" mode, according to which payment for 1 kW is charged at the usual rate. Moreover, this interval for three-tariff devices is divided, in turn, into the following time zones:

• the peak period, characterized by the maximum consumption of electricity and covering the period from 07:00 to 10:00, as well as the time interval from 17:00 to 21:00. The current prices for a kilowatt of consumed energy carrier reach at this time the maximum value (slightly more expensive than the daily tariff established for conventional meters);
• half-peak period, valid in the time bands from 10:00 to 17:00 and from 21:00 to 23:00 hours. The tariff reduction at this time is 15-20% of the average daily consumption charge.

In comparison with the daily rates, the night tariff (from 23:00 to 07:00 in the morning) implies a 3-4 times reduction in the payment rate for electricity consumed at that time. Thus, in three-tariff metering devices, three different rates of payment for electricity are provided, namely:

1. daily peak;
2. day semi-peak;
3. night rate.

(To visually familiarize yourself with the above time breakdown, we advise you to carefully study the figure below).

Please note: In most electric meters of multi-tariff accounting, the most electronic circuit automatic readings are provided from the central metering point, carried out directly through the supply line.

The differentiation of payment for the consumed energy source considered by us allows the consumer to have a flexible approach to using electrical appliances, varying the time of their inclusion depending on the requirements of the economy.

Product Selection Factors

Before you go to the store and purchase multi-tariff electricity meters that are suitable for you, you should clearly decide which model is suitable for your apartment or suburban economy. This is usually based on the following factors:

• type of supply voltage (single-phase or three-phase supply);
• the number of tariff regimes;
• the presence in the purchased multi-tariff meter of additional functions (overvoltage protection, for example).

In ordinary city apartments, as a rule, standard single-phase meters, while in a private suburban economy a 3-phase model of the device may well be in demand, which provides accounting for the consumption of electricity in power supply circuits. As for the choice of the number of tariffs, many consumers are guided by 3-tariff devices, which provide a flexible approach to planning future electricity costs. Well, the possibility of purchasing a product with extended functionality depends on the financial capabilities and preferences of each individual user.

Industrial Models

The domestic distribution network receives various modifications of counters, which differ both in their functionality and in price. Judging by the numerous customer reviews, electronic devices under the names "CE 2726-12" and "MTX Matrix" deserve the greatest approval. These models will be considered by us as an example of choosing a specific product that is quite suitable for certain conditions.

The multi-tariff electricity meter "TsE 2726-12" (manufactured by the Leningrad Electrical and Mechanical Plant) is installed in single-phase electrical circuits. This electronic device provides control of consumed electricity with a breakdown of the period of operation not only by time of day, but also by day of the week. It should also be noted that the electrical appliance "TsE 2726-12" provides for the protection of power circuits from sudden changes in current and voltage.

The line of multi-tariff electric meters "MTX Matrix" manufactured by Takko LLC, Kharkov, includes both single-phase (1A10) and 3-phase devices (3G, 3R30, 3R05). All products of this brand are highly versatile, allowing you to take readings not only directly from the display of the device, but also use them as part of special automated systems control (ASKUE). In such systems, the receipt of data on the consumption of electricity to the central console can also be carried out via special wireless communication channels.

In conclusion, we note once again that the transition to multi-tariff metering of consumed electricity contributes to its more efficient use and saves on paying electricity bills.

Service bills often take up the lion's share of the average consumer's income. This also applies to electricity bills. It is clear that the question of the possibility of saving bills for this resource is becoming more than relevant. Supplying organizations suggest using a multi-tariff meter. Let's see how such a meter works and whether it really helps to save.

What does multi-tariff meter mean?

Such a meter takes into account the division of the day into phases and the increasing (or decreasing) use of the supplied electricity. It is known that most electrical appliances work in the morning and evening hours. As a rule, a minimum of devices are included in the network at night. Two-tariff meter considers electricity consumption at an increased tariff from early morning (7:00) and late evening (23:00). This is a conventional day phase. Accordingly, from eleven o'clock in the evening to seven in the morning (conditionally the night phase), the tariff is reduced, often twice. This means that if you turn on the washing machine or dishwasher after eleven o'clock, the electric multi-tariff meter counts at a lower rate.

Also found on sale three-tariff meter. The day according to this metering device is divided into the following zones:

• night, which lasts from 23 pm to 7 am);
• peak, it is considered from 7 to 10 hours and from 17 to 21 hours;
• semi-peak, which lasts from 10 to 17 hours and from 21 to 23 hours.

Thus, in the morning and in the evening, electricity consumption will be as expensive as possible. In the semi-peak zone (during the day and late in the evening), you will pay a little less than in the peak phase. And at night, energy consumption is as cheap as possible.

Multi-tariff meter - profitable or not?

Cost-effectiveness of multi-tariff electricity meters remains doubtful for many. And this is understandable, because the majority of consumers are just not at home or they are sleeping at a time when the tariffs for the resource are minimal. Therefore, it is beneficial to install such metering devices for those homeowners who have electrical appliances with the ability to program the operating time. This is, first of all, washing machines, multicookers, dishwashers, air conditioners, etc. To reduce electricity bills in the peak zone, we recommend setting the operation mode to the night.

The cost-effectiveness of multi-tariff meters also depends on the tariffs that apply in your area. The greater the difference between the peak zones, the more money you end up saving.