Evgeny Lyulin tasked with improving the legislative conditions for the active implementation of "smart" electricity meters.

      April 23, 2026 19:40 Society On April 22, a meeting of the committee on housing and communal services and the fuel and energy complex was held in the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod region. Deputies discussed the practice of installing and using smart electricity meters in apartment buildings. The Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Evgeny Lyulin, expressed confidence that "smart" utility meters are the future.

      Intelligent accounting systems provide automatic remote transmission of readings, eliminating the need for manual data collection. They allow real-time monitoring of electricity consumption through a personal account, prevent attempts of unauthorized consumption and interference with the operation of meters, support multi-tariff accounting, and enable prompt restoration of electricity supply upon repayment of debts. For residents of apartment buildings, the installation of such meters is done free of charge.

      According to PAO "TNS Energy NN," more than 83,500 smart electricity meters have already been installed in the Nizhny Novgorod region. From 2021 to 2025, 78,300 smart meters were put into operation, of which 49,700 were installed by the guaranteeing supplier and 28,600 by developers. For 2026-2029, the installation of another 82,200 meters is planned.

      "The convenience of accounting and data transmission about electricity consumption is a trend of our time. I am confident that in the future, the entire system of energy resource accounting – electricity, water, heat – will be equipped with such meters," emphasized Evgeny Lyulin.

      "The effect of implementing intelligent accounting systems is obvious. For example, in an average apartment building where such meters are installed, the average monthly payment for common household needs is more than one and a half times lower. This is a direct benefit for residents. Moreover, a one-time reading of all consumers allows for an accurate determination of the volume of resources used for common household needs and eliminates unfair charges. I have such a meter installed at home, so I see only positive aspects: the ability to determine the quality of electricity, view the expense log," noted Vladimir Bespalov, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Housing and Utilities and the Fuel and Energy Complex.

      At the same time, deputies discussed problematic issues related to the installation of meters. Among them are the unstable operation of mobile internet in some areas of the region, which reduces data transmission speed, as well as the non-compliance of meters installed by some developers with legal requirements. Additionally, participants noted cases of deliberate damage to meters by consumers.

      Deputies proposed to strengthen control over developers by construction supervision authorities and to consider the issue of establishing liability for interference with the operation of intelligent accounting systems.

      As a result of the meeting, the committee plans to work on improving legislation in this area and also recommended continuing efforts to inform the public about the advantages of smart accounting meters.

      The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.