CLOUD-BASED SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION

The increasing price of energy and the demand for it have pushed different organizations to develop intelligent energy tracking, control, and conservation solutions. Today, fossil fuels account for 44% of worldwide energy production, posing a threat to both human and environmental health. According to a recent study of global energy demand across several sectors, the building sector is one of the leading energy consumers, with a large percentage of energy consumption judged superfluous. This is due to poor management practices and the deployment of efforts to reduce excessive energy use. (Dr. M. Usman Saleem, 2023) 

Over the years, experts in academia and industry have focused on multiple approaches for reducing wasteful energy use and maintaining a healthy living environment in green smart cities. (Aliero 2021). As a result, advanced information technology requires efficient and trustworthy communication protocols such as Zigbee, Internet of Things (IoT), and GSM-based cloud computing. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new technology that can be used to successfully manage energy use in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors in smart environments.

According to a report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand will rise by 30% between 2017 and 2040. Developing countries like Pakistan usually face challenges including inadequate power availability, inadequate infrastructure, and acute poverty. As a result, good use of power may enhance access to energy, reduce strain on the nation's limited resources, and promote economic growth. (Dr. M. Usman Saleem, 2023)

In the pursuit of a sustainable energy future, smart meter technology has emerged as an essential tool for optimizing energy consumption and lowering carbon footprint. These developments have the potential to transform energy management, increase energy efficiency, and empower both customers and utilities. (Infysion; 2023). Here are some significant instances in which cloud computing revolutionized energy management:

The Development of Smart Meter Technology Smart meters: are electronic devices that replace traditional analog meters to provide more accurate measurement and monitoring of energy consumption. Unlike traditional meters, which require manual readings, smart meters automatically send data to the cloud, allowing for continuous monitoring and analysis.

Cloud-based smart meter monitoring allows data from millions of devices to be gathered, processed, and analyzed in real-time. This large volume of data provides significant insights for both consumers and utility providers, promoting a more informed approach to energy management.

Empowering Consumers with Real-Time Data: Consumers can now monitor their energy, gas, and water consumption using simple online or mobile applications. People can make more thoughtful decisions about how much energy they use thanks to this increased openness, which lowers waste and saves money.

Promoting Energy Efficiency and Conservation: reducing energy consumption during peak hours, replacing energy-intensive appliances, or converting to renewable energy sources. This encourages energy efficiency and conservation on an individual level while also contributing to a greener and more sustainable society.

Improving Grid Management and Stability: Cloud-based smart meter monitoring also aids utility companies by offering a complete picture of the grid network. Real-time data on energy demand and supply allows operators to optimize power distribution and balance load throughout the grid more efficiently, improving grid stability and lowering the chance of blackouts or system breakdowns during peak demand periods.

Unlocking Renewable Energy Integration: As renewable energy sources such as solar and wind gain popularity, utilities will be able to better manage supply and demand changes by collecting real-time consumption and production data. This paves the way for a future dominated by cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy.

As cloud technology advances, smart meter monitoring's potential to transform the global energy landscape grows, providing a cleaner and greener environment for future generations. Simultaneously, utility companies can use the amount of data generated by smart meters to improve grid management and simplify the incorporation of renewable energy.