liveaboard

They installed a new meter at our place recently; I don't know what 'smart' means, but it's a meter that can be read remotely so they won't need to come to the house.
The installation guy told me it will only function when they install a new transformer for the area, with the receiving system in it.
They work by sending the information back up the power supply line.

Score76

The meters being installed in Portugal are not 'smart' meters as we are seeing in the UK. They are replacing the old analogue meters with digital and at the same time allowing them to be read centrally. Anyone with a new meter should a PLC (sometimes PLA) led. If this is green then the meter is in contact with the grid and can be read remotely, so ignore any request to provide readings. If this led is red or off, then although your meter is capable the local grid is not, you need to still provide readings when asked.

Rambling archer

Thanks folks - glad I am not alone in my non-smart meter. That explains it all a bit better. Ours has a red light - looking forward to spotting GREEN sometime!
Cheers

BillBullock

Mine had a red light but it's gone out!

Rambling archer

BlackBeardie

Some still get away with this But if your house is recently built (7 years or less) it's more than likely you will have a new digital meter. And liveaboard, I have a hybrid system and use batteries. I got NiFe (Nickel Iron) batteries from Bimble Solar https://www.bimblesolar.com/index.php recently. They ship to Portugal. These are robust (you don't have to worry about them besides keeping them hydrated) and they will pay for themselves in 10 years with my rate of consumption. Panels are relatively cheap. Their major cost is the transport.