Filenews 27 May 2025 - by Eleftheria Paizanou
The protocol and the process of installing smart meters is changing, after the damages and problems created in residential electrical appliances.
Today, the members of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy discussed the progress of the installation of smart meters by the EAC. The project manager, Sophocles Kaminaridis, speaking to the Committee, said that the smart meter is safe but the problem is located in the (automatic) switches of the premises that are outdated.
He noted that they do not know how many switches on the premises are problematic, pointing out that it is estimated that the number is large. "If it has been identified that the problem is the switch, we will change our process so that we do not manipulate the circuit breaker," he added.
Meanwhile, another representative of EAC pointed out that there are thousands of problematic switches for consumers, stressing that the problem is worse than that of TAKATA. According to the project manager, more increased safety measures will be adopted for staff, so that the installation of smart meters is done without the need to turn off the switch.
He also argued that initially another protocol was applied, which was differentiated after the problems that arose. In addition, he indicated that the installation of the meters will continue in the coming weeks and will concern single-phase meters that do not pose any risks.
On his part, the General Manager of EAC, Adonis Giasemidis, stated that EAC will follow a different policy for the compensation of those who suffered losses. As he said, as soon as problems are identified with the electrical appliances, they will be recorded. In the process, he said, those affected will go to the supplier of the appliances to replace them.
In fact, he noted, that the supplier's invoice will go directly to EAC.
According to the Director General of EAC, this is a major project to replace 400,000 with smart meters. "As soon as an issue arises in devices, all devices with a problem will be immediately recorded, the instruction will be given after an investigation that it is due to the replacement where the damages occurred, the citizen will be instructed to proceed with ordering devices corresponding to those he had and to send the invoice to EAC to cover the expenses," he added. At the same time, he said that EAC will focus on single-phase meters and will consult with the electromechanical service for the differentiation of the methodology in the next two weeks.
"The goal is very ambitious, as the project should be completed by January 2027. According to RRP requirements, we must install 250,000 smart meters by June 2026," he added.
He also pointed out that the smart meter is not a problem, stressing that a bill is in the works for periodic inspection of homes and MOTs of houses and all facilities.
The president of the Electricians, Giorgos Kyriakou, criticized the procedures followed for the installation of smart meters, as the required checks are not carried out.
"It should be checked by the EAC as soon as the meter is installed. Most of the problems were caused by meters that were being recalled."
DISY MP Kyriakos Hatzigiannis spoke about behaviors by EAC officials similar to the problem with TAKATA. As he said, the authorities are aware of the dangers but shift the responsibility to the citizens.
AKEL MP Kostas Kostas described the problem as too big, stressing the need to take measures to protect citizens.
He said that EAC has accepted to stop the installation of smart meters in premises with three-phase electricity.
The MP of the Democratic Party of Greece, Michalis Giakoumis, noted that there were 47 incidents with a problem with smart meters.
The president of the Ecologists, Stavros Papadouris, said that the time frames of the installation, the social contribution, the cost and the safety should be examined.
