Exploring the Meaning of Smartness of Smart Meter Technology Within Smart Grids

Smart Meters (SM) are a key element in modern energy systems, utilizing information technologies to optimize energy management. Despite their growing recognition, their global implementation faces numerous challenges. One such challenge arises from the ambiguity surrounding the term "smart," leading to confusion about the defining characteristics of smartness in these meters. Drawing inspiration from Alter's seminal paper "Making Sense of Smartness in the Context of Smart Devices and Smart Systems" (2020), we employ Alter's guiding principles to structure our research. Through a literature review and the application of these principles, our aim is to align chosen studies with the concept of smartness in SM while uncovering additional dimensions. Our analysis results in the development of a framework comprising 16 key aspects that incorporate smartness in SM, providing structured criteria for their evaluation. We offer a tailored framework for a comprehensive and enduring definition of smartness in SM beyond technical considerations.