Energy Outlet
Home
Business

Understanding Different Types of Smart Meters and Their Benefits

May 20th, 2025 By Casey Thornton | Fact Checked By EO Test Reviewer

On this page:

  • Understanding Different Types of Smart Meters and Their Benefits
  • Types of Smart Meters
  • Benefits of Smart Meters
  • Conclusion

Understanding Different Types of Smart Meters and Their Benefits

Smart meters are digital appliances used to track and store electricity and natural gas usage in residential and commercial buildings. While most homes have not yet made the switch to a smart meter, regulation bodies across the United States are encouraging power companies to roll out smart meters to their customers. According to US Energy Information Administration, nearly two-thirds of electricity customers in the United States have some form of smart meter.

Types of Smart Meters

There are two main types of smart meters: Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Automated Meter Reading (AMR) is the more basic type of smart meter, which can provide power companies with an automated process to read their customer’s electricity and natural gas usage without requiring manual labor. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) offers advanced functions, such as two-way communication, remote connection and disconnection, and automated meter reading.

Benefits of Smart Meters

Smart meters provide a number of benefits, both to consumers and power companies. By automating meter readings, power companies can reduce their operational costs and teams can focus on other tasks. Remote connection and disconnection are made quicker and easier with smart meter technology, reducing the need for manual labor and reducing overall operational costs.

For consumers, access to real-time energy usage data is the most significant benefit of smart meters. This data can be used to gain insight into energy usage habits and identify opportunities to conserve energy and save money. Consumers can also use this data to help select a better energy plan by researching Houston electricity rates or searching for New Power Texas reviews. Consumers have the choice to either stay with their current energy provider or use Power to Choose Texas to switch to a new provider if a better deal is available.

Conclusion

Smart meters are digital appliances that provide power companies and consumers with a number of benefits, such as automated meter readings, remote connection/disconnection, and access to real-time energy data. By equipping homes with a smart meter, consumers can gain insight into energy consumption habits, save money on their energy bills, and research Houston energy plans to find the best deal. Power to Choose Texas is an online platform that allows Texans to compare energy plans and switch to a more reliable and cost-effective option.

Save on Electricity
Recent Posts
How SB 6 Is Shifting the Power Balance in Texas Energy
July 21st, 2025
Texas Electricity Rates in 2025: Why Prices Are Stabilizing—And What Could Change That
July 14th, 2025
Is Texas Ready for Another Record-Breaking Summer? What 2025’s Power Grid Upgrades Mean for You
July 7th, 2025
Some Simple Ways to Save on Electricity as It Heats Up
May 19th, 2025
5 of the Most Popular Renewable Energy Sources
May 19th, 2025
Search, switch, and save today.
Compare the best energy plans from the most reputable Texas electricity providers.
Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice.
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Company
About Us
Learn
Contact Us
Product
For My Home
For My Business
How it Works
Providers
Deregulated Cities
Legal
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 EnergyOutlet.com. All Rights Reserved.

Public Utility Commission of Texas Broker Registration BR190123.

ADVERTISER & EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE

At EnergyOutlet.com, we make shopping for electricity plans simple, transparent, and stress-free! We partner with retail electricity providers (REPs) and may earn commissions when users sign up for plans directly through us. These commissions never impact how plans are ranked.

Our listings are based on electricity rates and plan details—not compensation—so you get fair and unbiased comparisons. You can also sort and filter plans by contract length, rate type, provider, and more to find the best option for your needs!

We work hard to keep everything accurate and up to date, but plan details may sometimes differ from what’s listed on a provider’s website. Rates and terms change frequently, so we always recommend verifying the latest pricing and conditions directly with the provider before enrolling.

All our content—whether reviews, comparisons, or educational guides—is created independently by our team to provide honest, unbiased information.

Need Help?

We’re here for you! Reach out anytime at help@EnergyOutlet.com.

Made within Texas️