Abstract

OUAHIBA, Belhocine; A., Djiar Kahina  and  WISSAM, Benaouicha. Assessment of the consistency in the process of implementation of smart meters pilot project in the residential sector at Diar El Bahri (Blida) in Algeria. Bol. cienc. tierra [online]. 2021, n.50, pp.19-28.  Epub Feb 09, 2022. ISSN 0120-3630.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rbct.n50.94377.

The energy sector in Algeria has undergone enormous transformations over the last couple of decades. One of the major changes that have taken place is related to the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the control of energy consumption. In this regard, a pilot project of Smart Meters has been introduced in the residential sector in Diar El Bahri, which is located in the wilaya of Blida, at about 47 km southwest of the capital of Algeria, Algiers. This is the first experience in the country.

Despite the will to set up a bidirectional communication framework for the control of energy consumption, the project, which was initially expected to last for a period of two (02) years, was carried, in fact, for only six (06) months. Besides, the number of households that were supposed to be connected to Smart Meters was not respected.

The objective of this research is to understand precisely the process of setting up this system. The project is the first Algerian experience in terms of use of ICTs for the purpose of modernising energy management and control. The study aims to understand the reasons why the objectives that were initially set for the project were not reached. This paper is part of a larger original research project, which aspires to explore the different ways in which ICTs can be developed in the housing sector in Algeria in order to increase energy efficiency and create digital territories.

Keywords : energy efficiency; housing; information and communication technologies; smart grids; smart meter; Diar el Bahri; Blida; Algeria.

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