Do Smart Meters Reduce Emissions? Evidence Beyond Billing and Loss Reduction

This study reframes smart metering as climate infrastructure rather than a revenue or efficiency tool. By linking meter-level consumption data with grid emissions intensity, it quantifies emissions reductions arising from behavioural change, peak shifting, and operational optimisation. The results show that smart metering delivers meaningful climate benefits only when paired with enabling regulatory and market mechanisms, helping explain divergent outcomes observed across jurisdictions.