Arab J Sci Eng

DOI 10.1007/s13369-012-0432-x

RESEARCH ARTICLE - SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Remote Energy Monitoring, Profiling and Control Through GSM

Network
Adnan Rashdi Rafia Malik Sanam Rashid
Anam Ajmal Sulaiman Sadiq

Received: 24 November 2011 / Accepted: 14 March 2012

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals 2012

Abstract This paper presents design and development of

a global system for mobile communications (GSM)-based
energy monitoring, profiling and control system. The proposed system integrates consumers digital energy meter with
energy monitoring system which is controlled by electric
supply company. Single phase or three phase digital electric meters can be used with indigenously developed add
on module, which acquires energy usage data at consumer
premises and after necessary processing transmits it to the
electric supply company using short message service (SMS)
and global packet radio service (GPRS) through GSM network. At the electric supplier end, an energy monitoring
system manages all received meter readings, computes the
billing cost, updates the database and maintains an energy
consumption profile for each consumer. System controls all
operations at the electric supply company headquarters and
generates various warning alerts on occurrence of faults in
the system. A working prototype of complete system has
been developed using digital energy meter manufactured by
MicroTech Industries, Pakistan, to demonstrate an efficient
and transparent means of automatic meter reading, billing
and notification using existing wide spread GSM network.

Keywords Global system for mobile communications

Global packet radio service Automatic meter reading
Short message service

A. Rashdi (B) R. Malik S. Rashid A. Ajmal S. Sadiq

Department of Electrical Engineering, Military College of Signals,
National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
e-mail: adnanrashdi@mcs.edu.pk

1 Introduction

R. Malik
e-mail: rafia_malik@live.com
S. Rashid
e-mail: sanam_rashid@live.com
A. Ajmal
e-mail: anamajmal88@gmail.com
S. Sadiq
e-mail: mani_sdq@hotmail.com

The conventional energy metering system requires the energy

supplier company to send their representatives who manually read and record the energy consumption for billing
purposes. The manual energy reading system suffers from
a wide variety of disadvantages making it inefficient. The
requirement of huge manpower to acquire meter readings is
not cost effective and with human involvement, it is prone to
human errors as well as tampering of records. This leads
to non-transparency in the electric energy metering system. To devise an efficient and transparent metering system,

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the concept of automatic meter reading (AMR) and energy

profiling system (EPS) evolved. It provides an effective
means of energy consumption information collection and its
analysis for accurate billing [1,2]. A plethora of technologies can be used for implementing meter reading system,
but each technology has its own pros and cons [3]. Radio
frequency (RF)-based meter reading systems make use of
handheld devices, mobile and fixed networks [4]. Handheld
device-based meter reading system uses a handheld computer
equipped with RF transceiver to collect readings, but it does
not make an optimum use of the AMR capable meters, as
meter reading staff is still required. Mobile or drive-by meter
reading is another approach which has an RF meter reading
device installed in a vehicle to collect meter readings. Due
to the short range of mobility, it again requires a team for
collection of meter readings. AMR can also be implemented
using power line communication (PLC) and telephone line
network, but it has an inherent disadvantage of interference
and noise, which deems it unreliable. Wi-Fi technology has
also been used for transmission of metering information, but
not being a widespread technology, it requires the installation
of access points to cover the designated areas. A GSM-based
AMR system has been shown in Fig. 1. GSM and GSM-Zigbee hybrid models for AMR have also been proposed in [5,6].
The proposed system has been indigenously developed
to induce transparency in the current electric meter reading
system. It facilitates low cost real time energy monitoring,
profiling and control using SMS or GPRS provided by widely
installed GSM network. The initial version of the system was
developed and tested using SMS [7], whereas the system considered in this paper has been developed and tested for both
SMS and GPRS. The developed automation leads to an efficient energy metering system which is transparent, without
human errors and ideal for power distribution systems of
developing countries. System allows bidirectional commuFig. 1 Concept of AMR
system using GSM network

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nication thus allowing energy supplier company to remotely

control the consumers electric meter and energy consumption profiling system is also accessible to users and the energy
supply company. By incorporating control coupled with profiling, the developed system creates some degree of awareness among users, encouraging them towards conservation
of energy. An additional feature added to the developed EPS
is global positioning system (GPS) to indicate the location
of consumers, helping to create traffic profile for energy suppliers. This can also be beneficial when used with sensors
to indicate energy meter tampering/theft and thus reducing
overall power loses.

2 System Overview
The developed EPS is based on existing electric power distribution system which uses digital electric meters installed
at consumers place. Our developed energy monitoring, profiling and control system is shown in Fig. 2. It uses existing digital electric meters with an aim to interface them
with an indigenously developed transceiver module through a
meter interface unit (MIU). The transceiver transmits electric
energy consumption data through SMS to transceiver placed
at server end whereas in case of GPRS the server is accessed
over the internet by consumer transceiver. The server application is capable of updating the energy consumption data
in the database in real time using SMS or GPRS. The server
application then makes use of this data to generate profile of
each consumer.
2.1 Digital Energy Meter and Meter Interface Unit (MIU)
Single phase digital energy meter A283 manufactured by
MicroTech Industries, Pakistan, has been used with the

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Fig. 4 Meter interface unit basic functioning

Fig. 2 Architecture of energy monitoring, profiling and control system

to get reading from the meters, the first task is to detect and
count these pulses as shown in Fig. 4. It requires development
of a basic pulse detector circuit, followed by summation of
the number of occurrences of the pulses detected, and computation of the energy value accordingly.
2.1.2 Sending Energy Consumption Data

Fig. 3 Working of digital energy meter

indigenously developed system. Meter contains Teridian system-on-chip (SoC) as shown in Fig. 3 which generates pulses
that are in direct accordance with the reading, at a rate
of 3,200 pulses per kW of energy consumed. Using this
approach, the meter reading is attained.
The meter interface unit is the component that is attached
to the energy meters installed at the consumer end. It is
responsible for acquiring electric energy consumption data
and then processing it into a useful format, fit to be sent as
SMS/GPRS data to the server end. It includes the SMS/GPRS
sending/receiving portion which sends the data using GSM
network, and receives incoming data. The very basic controller Atmel 89C52 was programmed to fulfil the function
of the MIU. The meter interface unit has been developed to
perform following tasks.
2.1.1 Pulse Detection and Counting
The meter reading collection is based on the acquisition and
counting of pulses, transmitted by energy meters [8]. In order

The consumption data attained is transmitted using the GSM

module. The consumption data can be sent continuously or
after a predefined definite time interval, such that certain
number of consumed units is reported by the transceiver module to the server application. However, polling is an added
feature provided at the server end, which enables the server
to poll the consumer end module to send the consumption
data of the electric meter, at any time. It infuses flexibility in
the system and adds to the control exercised by the server.
The server has to send a message of UPD_READ (Update
Reading) to the consumer, to trigger response from the MIU.
2.1.3 Receiving Data at Consumer End and Remote
Shutdown of Energy Meter
The meter interface unit is programmed to receive SMS/
GPRS data sent from the server end, extract relevant information from it, and then act accordingly. This portion lays
foundation for incorporating control in the system. The messages that are received are stored in the SIM memory as and
when they arrive and are received by the MIU serially. The
microcontroller is programmed to interpret the extracted
message and then act accordingly to fulfil the requisite function. A major feature of control has been incorporated in
the system, which provides the server with a facility, using
which, the electric supply company can cut off the energy
connection of any user and reconnect it with equal ease,
remotely, without the need to send someone to do the task
manually. It can also be utilized in case the property is vacated
by a tenant or when the supply needs to be disconnected due

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to non-payment of energy bill. Moreover, if the supply company has a policy of placing restraints on the consumption, to
rein the luxurious use as a measure for energy conservation,
the defaulters can be penalized by cutting off their supply for
a predetermined duration of time. A relay circuit is interfaced
with MIU, between the mains supply and the meter for this
purpose.
2.2 Transceiver Module at Consumer End and Server End
The transceiver system at the consumer end and server end is
capable of sending the energy consumption data using SMS
or GPRS. GSM technology incorporates encryption hence
the data transmitted is secure. Transceiver may use more than
one GSM SIMs to send/receive energy consumption data or
control data since lack of service or network congestion cannot be afforded. Various consumers send timed messages
containing their respective energy consumption readings so
that the server receives one message at a time and SMS is
delivered without delay. In order to receive messages from the
GSM modem connected with the web server, an application
has been developed in C#.NET and installed on the server.
It receives messages from the GSM modem and GPRS, sift
through the message and extract the consumer number and
energy reading, upload the consumption readings into the
database, detect usage exceeding threshold, detect location
change of meter, alert the consumer of excess energy usage
and/or meter theft via text message. Meter theft is controlled
using GPS module which is integral part of SIM548C (GSM
+ GPS module). Location of the meter, as received by the
global positioning system, is transmitted to the server end
after specific intervals. The location received is compared to
the location stored in the database, and in case of a mismatch,
corresponding alert is generated. Use of GPS in the developed system is an efficient measure that forestalls the meter
theft, adding security to the electric suppliers equipment.
Fig. 5 Consumers home page

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2.3 Database Management System and Web Development

The database is maintained using MySQL server, in which
two tables are maintained. Real-time consumption table logs
all energy readings, which is edited with each new received
SMS. The users table keeps record of subscribers, which
can only be edited by the administrator. The content of the
received SMS is added as a new row in the consumptions
table. A website was developed in PHP scripting language,
with the purpose to generate the energy profiles of users, to
view user records, energy consumption and billing information. The website may be accessed from any location by the
consumer or the administrator making the monitoring and
profiling system remote in true sense.
2.3.1 Consumer Home Page
The homepage shows general information about the logged
in user as shown in Fig. 5. Information such as todays usage,
usage since last payment, bill since last payment is updated
on refreshing the page.
2.3.2 Administrator Home Page
The administrator has the option to add a new user, view the
existing users, manage the users or view energy consumption
for all or individual users (shown in Fig. 6).
3 Testing and Results
At the initial phase of the system development, the meter
reading acquisition approach has been tested by comparing
the pulse readings against the reading displayed by the energy
meter through a test load of 1,000 W. As the results proved
the approach accurate, it has been utilized for acquiring the
meter reading.

Arab J Sci Eng

Fig. 6 Administrators home
page

Fig. 7 Testing of system with load attached

The complete system as shown in Fig. 7, once developed, was tested by operating three meters simultaneously, so
their timing and synchronization of sending meter readings

to the servers, could be tested. The three meters were programmed to transmit readings serially, one after the other,
so the performance of the server end application could be
tested.
The testing phase provided accurate results, hence verifying the performance of the system. It justified the use of GSM
network for reliable transfer of data. During testing phase,
results proved that GSM network equips the system with
always-connected, two-way communication, helping enable
both monitoring and control. Moreover, due to the nationwide coverage of already installed GSM infrastructure, there
is no need for installation or upgradation of infrastructure
or software. SMS provided by GSM network adds to the
reliability of the system, because of its store and forwarding feature, such that no SMS is lost even in case of poor
GSM signals. GSM technology already caters to prevention of outside sources from accessing or tampering with

Fig. 8 Billing versus

consumption

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transmitted data, by utilizing encryption techniques. The

development of universal mobile telecommunications system
(UMTS) introduces an optional universal subscriber identity
module (USIM), which provides greater security, and mutual
authentication, by using a longer authentication key. The profiling system generated accurate and elaborate consumption
graphs, fulfilling its function maximally. The profiling system is equipped with the feature to produce elaborate and
illustrative curves, showing daily, monthly and yearly consumption of energy, along with the billing info as shown in
Figs. 8, 9.
The energy curve for any month is plotted for the specified
user for the current year, in the form of a bar chart as shown
in Fig. 10.

Fig. 9 Energy usage curve

Fig. 10 Monthly energy usage

in a year

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4 Analysis
A system of remote energy monitoring, profiling and control system has been built with efficient utilization of the
existing digital meters and the already installed GSM infrastructure. With the advent of digital technology, electromechanical meters are continuously being replaced by digital
meters. Digital energy meters offer greater convenience to
implement and establish automatic meter reading system
electronically. To develop an efficient, reliable and effective system of AMR, various technologies have been utilized, analyzed in Table 1. The developed project utilizes the
existing wide spread and already installed infrastructure of
GSM network. The store and forwarding features of SMS

Arab J Sci Eng

Table 1 Analysis of AMR technologies
Technology

Analysis

Handheld, touch-based

Transparent but requires manual meter

reading
Short range of mobility, requires team
of readers
Expensive infrastructure required
Usually simplex (one-way) systems
Inherent disadvantage of interference
and noise
Reduced coverage area, installation
of access points required

Mobile
Fixed network, ethernet
RF Network
Power line communication
Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)

allow reliable meter reading delivery when the GSM signal

is affected by poor weather conditions.

4.3 Automated System with No Data Loss

Since there are a huge number of consumers, the prototype
modules have been programmed to transmit their readings
at different instances in time so that no data is lost due
to network congestion at the server end. If consumption
data is not delivered to the server end, it is not a problem
since the module sends the cumulative pulse count from the
time the meter was turned on, not the pulse count between
successive messages. At the server end the SIM number is
used to identify and retrieve the consumer details from the
received messages so the overhead of assigning, transmitting and maintaining unique UIDs is obviated. The process
of extracting useful data and uploading it to the database
is completely automated and requires no human intervention.

4.1 Compact Design and Cost Effective Solution

4.4 Efficient Monitoring and Transparent billing

The developed prototype makes efficient usage of the ageless yet simple 8052 microcontroller which is an easy to use,
low cost and versatile controller. A single microcontroller
is utilized as a meter interface unit and also formulates the
messages containing the meter reading via the transmission
module. Synchronization in pulse counting is not required
with the digital meter since the readings are transmitted in
the form of pulse counts and not energy readings in KiloWatt hours. SIM548C has been used that is equipped with
GPS technology for satellite navigation along with QuadBand GSM/GPRS functionality. The compact design of the
prototype makes it easy to integrate into the existing digital
meter casing. This lays off the cost for redesigning the existing meters and saves both time and cost for the integration
of additional hardware components.

An efficient mechanism for monitoring of energy consumption has been ensured with detailed consumption information
in the form of a dynamically uploaded consumption table
in database as shown in Fig. 11.
The user database as shown in Fig. 12 is also maintained
in the form of a separate data table and may be edited easily
using the administrative command of update.
The system is developed with an inherent transparency
feature, where the consumer can access his billing information at any instance of time, along with the elaborate records
being maintained. Bill amount for various consumption values may be examined by the consumer in the form of a
demonstrative billing information curve, which removes the
need of any hassle for later verification of bills. The user can
also monitor his bill/current energy consumption calculated
since his last payment.

4.2 Location Monitoring

4.5 Ubiquitous Web Interface with Elaborate Profiling
As an additional feature, a GPS module has also been incorporated in the system so that an immediate low level alert to
the consumer could be generated in case the position of the
meter is changed indicating meter theft.

An illustrative and interactive web interface not only makes

accessing user, consumption and billing information more
easier, but also makes it ubiquitous in the sense that both

Fig. 11 Database consumption

table

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Fig. 12 Users database table

Fig. 13 Consumption history

page

the consumer as well as the supplier may access their

desired information from anywhere and at any time. The
data maintained is current, such that it is updated in real
time.
The user may view his consumption history as shown
in Fig. 13 in tabular form or in the form of an energy
usage curve for any specified duration of time. Vivid data
points, that is exact date and time value for any consumption may also be viewed. User profiles are maintained in
the form of consumption trends, such that the administrator (supplier) has the option of viewing both the yearly
cumulative consumption of all users in a monthly breakdown fashion as a bar graph, or the supplier may also
view a consumers energy usage for a particular month.
The administrator also has the option of having a birds
eye view of the meters placement on an area map as
shown in Fig. 14. The administrator only has to click on
the place marker for any user, and the respective consumers consumption curve for the current month is displayed.

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5 Future Work
This system has been developed with the idea to automate
the energy metering system, which would result in efficiency
in the way consumption of electricity is recorded. The future
work in this field would require making the system more proficient so that it can be implemented commercially. These
improvements will include addition of more features that
would add to the efficiency of the system. The underuse of
meter processing needs to be countered, by introducing such
an approach of meter reading acquisition that would collect
not only the meter reading in kWh, but also other useful
information like the meter serial number, current and previous month MDI, etc. This approach would prove beneficial,
and would lead to optimum use of the advanced meter processing, available these days in the electronic energy meters.
An effective tampering detection system can also be incorporated in the already devised system. This can be achieved if
the reading from the substation point, from which the energy
is being branched out to the consumers, can be attained.

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Fig. 14 Location of consumers
on map

An improvement in the profiling system can be in the form

of forming probabilistic profiles of consumers.

6 Conclusion
This system paves the way to automatic metering of electricity consumption. A complete working prototype of remote
energy monitoring and profiling system has been developed
to demonstrate an automatic energy meter reading system
using GSM network. It takes the advantage of existing GSM
infrastructure which is widely spread in the country and has
good coverage area. The prototype includes simple and easy
installation of meter interface units, which need to be attached
to the already installed energy meters, and the profiling system would require trained personnel to monitor the servers.
It provides effective, reliable and efficient wireless automatic
power reading, billing, and notification. The additional features equip the system with the capability to perform many
other different functions that are beneficial to both the electricity supplier as well as the electricity user. Not forgetting
the system devised can also be extended to be used with water
meters as well as gas meters or even a combination of these
three different meters.

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