Qatar’s shift from manual meter readings to a fully integrated smart metering system marked a major milestone in modernising the country’s utility services. The transition has significantly improved efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
The smart meters project represents a crucial step towards achieving sustainability goals. Reducing operational costs of manual meter reading help reduce environmental impact as associated transportation is not needed. The project, launched in 2021, is part of Kahramaa’s broader digital transformation strategy.
The project involves replacing traditional mechanical meters with advanced devices capable of remote communication and real-time data transfer, allowing for readings every 30 minutes.
A meter reader would visit each property monthly to record electricity and water consumption manually in the past. Now, with smart meters installed across almost the entire country, readings are transmitted automatically through a secure wireless network. Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has nearly completed a nationwide digital upgrade of its utility services, reaching 98% coverage of smart meters for both electricity and water since the launch of the project in 2021. Smart meters have brought multiple benefits. They reduce the need for manual visits, ensure more accurate and timely billing, and provide valuable data to manage networks more efficiently.
This digital transformation supports sustainability initiatives in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Kahramaa operates a round-the-clock contact centre under the Customer Services Department to assist customers. It provides multiple communication channels, including direct calls, WhatsApp, interactive voice response (IVR), and AI-powered chatbots.
Inside the Smart Meter Center, interactive digital dashboards are used to monitor and manage the national smart metering network. Alerts are received and verified in real time, then passed on to technical teams to guarantee rapid response and resolution.
Building on the smart meter infrastructure, Kahramaa launched the “Be Solar” service in August 2024. The service enables customers to install rooftop solar panels, produce renewable energy, and feed any surplus power back into the grid.
The initiative supports clean energy adoption, reduces carbon emissions, and allows customers to lower their bills or even earn financial returns.
The adoption of fully automated system contributes to saving energy consumption by utilising the information available to Kahramaa, and therefore enabling the corporation to accurately identify consumption patterns in the country and use this valuable information for better planning and management, leading to reduced carbon emissions, and protection of the environment.
