{"id":6893,"date":"2026-08-20T12:08:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T10:08:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=189922"},"modified":"2026-08-20T12:08:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T10:08:42","slug":"who-actually-saves-when-smart-meters-are-installed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/who-actually-saves-when-smart-meters-are-installed\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Actually Saves When Smart Meters are Installed?"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li>Smart Tools vs Less Smart Meters<\/li>\n<li>Is Shelly Smarter than Eskom?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/who-actually-saves-when-smart-meters-are-installed\/#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eskoms_Claim\"><\/span><strong>Eskom\u2019s Claim<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_189924\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-189924\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/product-category\/straton-prepaid\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-189924 size-one-third lazyload\" alt width=\"350\" height=\"263\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" src=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Eskom-Smart-Meter-350x263.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Eskom-Smart-Meter-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Eskom-Smart-Meter-260x195.jpg 260w\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-189924\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eskom Smart Meter Photo: Eskom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Eskom are actively encouraging consumers to switch to Smart Meters. Listening to SAFM this morning one of the presenters read out Eskom\u2019s advert (radio\u2019s version of editorial!) and one of the claim in the script, amongst others, was that Smart Meters \u201csave energy\u201d. The way that it was worded made me wonder just how Smart Meters will save me energy (money) or magically make individual appliances more energy efficient if installed.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_this_correct\"><\/span><strong>Is this correct?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The bottom line is that ultimately, a smart meter does not inherently generate electricity or make individual appliances more energy-efficient on its own. Instead, it saves energy by modifying human behaviour, automating load reductions during critical peak times, and preventing system-wide overloads, effectively lowering overall demand on the national grid.<\/p>\n<p>So, it could be said, that Eskom is using an obfuscation technique to \u2018encourage\u2019 consumers to sign up to being more controlled at the main electrical entry point into their properties.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_what_is_the_actual_story_around_Smart_Meters\"><\/span><strong>So what is the actual story around Smart Meters?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When Eskom claims that smart meters \u201csave energy,\u201d they are referring to a combination of demand-side management, automated grid balancing, and behavioural changes enabled by two-way digital communication.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike traditional mechanical meters \u2013 which simply record how much electricity has been used after the fact \u2013 smart meters actively change how energy is consumed through several practical mechanisms:<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Load_Limiting_and_Remote_Control\"><\/span><strong>Load Limiting and Remote Control<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Smart meters feature two-way communication capabilities that allow utilities like Eskom to manage grid constraints dynamically.<\/p>\n<p>During periods of high grid strain, Eskom can initiate load limiting rather than plunging an entire neighbourhood into total darkness (load shedding).<\/p>\n<p>The smart meter caps the maximum output power allowed into a home for a defined period, prompting consumers to manually or automatically turn off heavy-draw appliances (such as geysers, stoves, pool pumps, and washing machines).<\/p>\n<p>If high-consumption appliances are left running past a warning threshold, the meter temporarily trips or disconnects supply to avoid a total system overload, directly forcing a reduction in energy demand.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Targeting_High-Energy_Assets_Geysers\"><\/span><strong>Targeting High-Energy Assets (Geysers)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Water heating (geysers) accounts for a massive percentage of domestic electricity demand in South Africa \u2013 often up to 35% during peak periods. Smart meter and smart geyser projects allow utilities or homeowners to remotely monitor and control geysers. By scheduling heating cycles to off-peak hours or temporarily turning them off during grid emergencies, utilities drastically shave down peak-hour energy consumption without permanently cutting off essential power (like lights, routers, and medical devices).<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real-Time_Consumer_Awareness_and_Behaviour_Shift\"><\/span><strong>Real-Time Consumer Awareness and Behaviour Shift<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Traditional meters hide usage patterns until the monthly bill arrives. Smart meters give consumers (and automated home systems) granular, real-time data regarding when and how much electricity they are consuming. Studies show that when households have visibility into their consumption patterns \u2013 such as identifying \u201cphantom loads\u201d (appliances left on standby) or energy spikes \u2013 they naturally modify their behaviour to eliminate waste and lower costs.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Better_ROI_From_Shelly\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/product-category\/shelly\/\"><strong>A Better ROI From Shelly<\/strong><\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now, if Eskom really wanted to directly benefit consumers then they would be touting Smart Home Automation via products from Shelly.<\/p>\n<p>These products will save significantly more energy for a consumer than just a smart meter alone.<\/p>\n<p>While a smart meter provides visibility and passive tracking of electricity usage (or allows the utility to manage load limits), a smart automation ecosystem like Shelly actively intervenes to reduce consumption, eliminate waste, and automate energy efficiency.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Shelly_products_achieve_greater_energy_savings\"><\/span><strong>Why Shelly products achieve greater energy savings:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Passive Monitoring vs. Active Automation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Smart Meter:<\/strong> A smart meter tells you how much electricity you used and when you used it, but it cannot turn off appliances for you or change your home\u2019s behaviour on its own.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/product-category\/shelly\/\">Shelly Products<\/a>:<\/strong> Shelly devices feature smart relays, plugs, and switches (such as the Shelly 1PM or Shelly Plug) that actively control circuits and appliances. They can automatically shut off power based on schedules, timers, or triggers, removing human error (like forgetting to turn off an appliance or light).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Eliminating \u201cPhantom Loads\u201d (Standby Power)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Smart Meter:<\/strong> Cannot see individual appliance standby draws hidden inside your home\u2019s total aggregate load.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/product-category\/shelly\/\">Shelly Products<\/a>:<\/strong> Smart plugs and switches can completely cut power to entertainment centres, computers, and kitchen appliances when they are not in use, entirely eliminating phantom\/standby power consumption.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Granular Circuit and Appliance Control<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Smart Meter:<\/strong> Measures total household consumption from the main distribution board.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/product-category\/shelly\/\">Shelly Products<\/a>:<\/strong> Devices can be installed on specific high-draw circuits or individual appliances \u2013 such as geysers, pool pumps, and air conditioners \u2013 allowing you to automate precise run-times (e.g., running a pool pump only during specific solar or off-peak hours).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Integration with Solar and Inverter Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Smart Meter:<\/strong> Standard utility meters simply measure net import\/export.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/product-category\/shelly\/\">Shelly Products<\/a>:<\/strong> Using devices like the Shelly Pro 3EM alongside Shelly smart relays allows households with solar panels to track excess solar generation in real time and automatically divert surplus energy to heavy loads (like heating elements or pool pumps) rather than letting it go to waste.<\/p>\n<p>A smart meter is an informational tool that helps you see your energy use, whereas Shelly automation products are intervention tools that actively stop energy waste. Combining them \u2013 or using Shelly\u2019s own energy monitoring meters with their smart switches \u2013 yields a far greater reduction in overall energy consumption and electricity costs.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shelly_Pro_4PM\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/shop\/shelly-pro-4pm\/\"><strong>Shelly Pro 4PM<\/strong><\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_189923\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-189923\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/shop\/shelly-pro-4pm\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-189923 size-thumbnail lazyload\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 416px) 100vw, 416px\" alt width=\"300\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Shelly-Pro-4PM-300x295.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Shelly-Pro-4PM.jpg 416w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Shelly-Pro-4PM-300x295.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Shelly-Pro-4PM-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Shelly-Pro-4PM-45x45.jpg 45w\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-189923\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shelly Pro 4PM. Photo: Stratlec<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>An example of a Smart Shelly Device is the Shelly Pro 4PM which has 4 channels with Power Monitoring. in addition you can see exactly how many Watts each of the four circuits is using; The Shelly 4 PM supports up to 16A per channel, with a total device limit of 40A and includes professional-grade protection against overpower, overvoltage, and overtemperature.<\/p>\n<p>All the Shelly devices are capable of being live monitored and adjusted on your mobile device WITHOUT a cloud subscription of any kind.<\/p>\n<p>Stratlec also has a range of <a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/product-category\/accessories\/\">Shelly Accessories<\/a> to make installation simpler and faster.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Links\"><\/span><strong>Links:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/Who Actually Saves When Smart Meters are Installed?\/2\/\">Boilerplate and Editor\u2019s Notes<\/a><\/strong>.<br \/><strong>More Info on <a href=\"https:\/\/stratlec.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Who Actually Saves When Smart Meters are Installed?<\/a> here:<\/strong><br \/><strong>X<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MyPE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/MyPE<\/a><br \/><strong>LinkedIn<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/stratlec\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/stratlec\/<\/a><br \/><strong>Facebook<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/StratonElectrical\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/StratonElectrical\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/save-with-myprs-monthly-flat-fee\/\">CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Genesis Simple Share error: This location ( after ) has already been used. --><strong><\/p>\n<h3>Track Your Press Release HERE:<\/h3>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"mypr-visibility-box\" readability=\"4.2608695652174\">\n<h4>Check Online Visibility<\/h4>\n<p>Verify where this release is currently indexed:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-pagination pagination\">Pages: <span class=\"post-page-numbers current\" aria-current=\"page\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>1<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/who-actually-saves-when-smart-meters-are-installed\/2\/\" class=\"post-page-numbers\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>2<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/who-actually-saves-when-smart-meters-are-installed\/\" target=\"_blank\">CLICK HERE to Read the Original Press Release on MyPR<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Smart Tools vs Less Smart Meters Is Shelly Smarter than Eskom? Table of Contents Eskom\u2019s Claim Eskom Smart Meter Photo: Eskom Eskom are actively encouraging consumers to switch to Smart Meters. Listening to SAFM this morning one of the presenters read out Eskom\u2019s advert (radio\u2019s version of editorial!) and one of the claim in the &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","autoblue_enabled":true,"autoblue_custom_message":"","autoblue_shares":[{"did":"did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic","date":"2026-08-20T10:33:43+00:00","uri":"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtj2ayh3ev26","response":"{\"uri\":\"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtj2ayh3ev26\",\"cid\":\"bafyreie5elvebnnb37opwpq2fzej42zcc2d5cnepvhsyy2gne3wivi33tq\",\"commit\":{\"cid\":\"bafyreib2drguoeftprgjtfuqgun7bvfdfnojayj67o7olucp54q4j36hze\",\"rev\":\"3mtj2ayhc7n26\"},\"validationStatus\":\"valid\"}"}],"autoblue_post_url":"","autoblue_publish_document":false,"republication-tracker-tool-hide-widget":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,3],"tags":[29],"class_list":["type-post","category-featured","category-news","tag-mypr-africa","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6893","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6893"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6893\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6893"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6893"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6893"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}