Are Blockchain-Based Smart Metering Systems Already Available?

With the growing interest in smart grids, Internet of Things (IoT), and energy transparency, many researchers have explored the use of blockchain technology in smart metering. This article explains what already exists in the literature and where new solutions can still contribute.

Q1: Are there existing blockchain-based smart metering systems?

Yes. Several studies have proposed blockchain-enabled smart metering architectures to improve billing transparency, data integrity, and privacy protection. Existing research can be grouped into three main areas:

  • Secure smart meter data logging and billing: Blockchain can be used to aggregate meter readings securely and enable dynamic billing while preventing data tampering and fraud [1].
  • IoT–blockchain smart energy monitoring: Research integrates smart meters, IoT communication, and blockchain to enable scalable and real-time monitoring of energy systems [2].
  • Distributed metering architectures: Frameworks such as AMI-Chain propose scalable blockchain architectures with distributed storage and smart-city deployment models [3].

Q2: If these systems already exist, what problems remain?

Many existing blockchain-based metering solutions assume:

  • Fully deployed smart grid infrastructure
  • Reliable communication networks
  • Minimal electricity theft and manual billing issues

However, in many developing environments and institutional settings, key challenges still include:

  • Electricity theft and meter bypassing
  • Manual billing manipulation
  • Revenue leakage
  • Lack of real-time monitoring and transparency

These realities create opportunities for solutions designed specifically for such conditions.

Q3: How does POLY-SAFE differ?

POLY-SAFE focuses on:

  • Billing transparency and auditability
  • Tamper-resistant metering records
  • Reducing revenue losses and disputes
  • Practical deployment in environments transitioning from conventional meters

Rather than targeting advanced smart grids alone, the approach emphasizes deployability and real-world operational challenges.

Conceptual Architecture of Blockchain-Based Smart Metering

Blockchain Smart Metering Architecture

Figure: Conceptual architecture of a blockchain-enabled smart metering system showing smart meters, gateway, blockchain network, and monitoring interface. Adapted for educational illustration based on blockchain smart metering architectures in [1]–[3].

Why This Topic Matters

Energy metering directly affects utility revenue, consumer trust, and the stability of national energy systems. Transparent and secure metering infrastructure can significantly reduce losses and improve accountability.

Research Gap and Contribution

Despite significant progress in blockchain-based smart metering, several practical challenges remain insufficiently addressed in real deployment environments, particularly in developing regions and institutional settings.

  • Widespread electricity theft, meter bypassing, and billing disputes
  • Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses reported to be around 38% in national power-sector statistics [4]
  • Manual billing processes that enable manipulation and revenue leakage
  • Lack of real-time monitoring and transparent auditing mechanisms

While prior studies demonstrate the feasibility of blockchain-enabled smart metering, practical deployment in theft-prone institutional environments remains relatively underexplored.

Most existing blockchain-based smart metering systems are designed for environments where advanced smart-grid infrastructure is already available. However, many institutions are still transitioning from conventional metering systems and face operational and transparency challenges.

POLY-SAFE addresses this gap by focusing on practical deployment in institutional environments, providing tamper-resistant metering records, transparent billing, and real-time monitoring while considering infrastructure constraints.

References

  1. Oksuz, O. (2024). Consortium blockchain based secure and efficient data aggregation and dynamic billing system in smart grid. Peer-to-Peer Networking and Applications, 17(5), 2717–2736.
  2. Elhajj, M., Attar, A. E., & Mikati, A. (2025). Integrating IoT and blockchain for smart urban energy management: enhancing sustainability through real-time monitoring and optimization. Cluster Computing, 28(15), 960.
  3. Medina, J., & Rojas-Cessa, R. (2024). AMI-Chain: A scalable power-metering blockchain with IPFS storage for smart cities. Internet of Things, 25, 101097.
  4. Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), "NERC Second Quarter 2025 Report," 2025. Online. [Accessed 30 November 2025].

Author: Abdulhameed Idris

Research Area: Blockchain, IoT, Smart Metering, and Secure Energy Systems

© 2026 Abdulhameed Idris. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.

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