The loss of electricity during distribution to businesses and homes increases costs for all customers and threatens the economic viability of many electric utilities in many countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic. Low payment rates jeopardize the financial stability of utilities and their ability to carry out routine maintenance activities, as well as to invest adequately to meet future demand.

In collaboration with an electricity utility, this project measures the impacts and benefits of installing smart meters for household and business customers. There is little prior research on the benefits of smart meters; what does exist is almost entirely in developed countries, and focuses solely on smart meters’ role in implementing dynamic pricing (such as pricing that varies by time of day). We examine the benefits from installing smart meter technology in developing countries, and how those benefits vary compared to those in developed countries.