The Bulgarian Institute of Metrology (BIM) proposes to change the periodicity of checking electricity meters in Bulgaria.
For single-phase meters, the proposal is to check them every 9 years, and for three-phase meters, which are used for electricity metering - 6 years. At present, for single-phase meters, the check is planned to be once every 6 years, and for three-phase meters - once every 4 years. The proposal, in the form of an order of the Chairman of the State Agency for Metrological and Technical Supervision (SAMTN), has already been published for public discussion.
What is the reason for increasing the period? There is an analysis for the period 2019 - 2024, according to which the average number of inspections carried out is 410,205 pcs. single-phase and 140,361 pcs. three-phase electricity meters. Of this amount, only less than 5% are non-compliant with the requirements. "The development of technology and equipment in the field of electricity metering is also important, which accelerates the processes of replacing old electricity meters with digital ones. Thus, there will be no need to carry out more frequent, shorter periods of time subsequent periodic inspections", the reasons state.
From 2004 to the present, for a period of 20 years, the frequency of electricity meter inspections has been changed once, with Order No. 2010-291 of 18.05.2023.