The fast change from the old meters to the modern smart metering systems implies the adoption of new philosophies and new behaviors, both on the side of the electricity consumer and on the side of the energy chain. Real-time information available at a large scale opens new possibilities to manage the electricity consume and losses, to use energy more efficiently, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to save money. This is why the implementation of the new smart metering technologies is supported by the European legislation and by the different stakeholders. After a short overview of the smart metering systems, the paper presents the challenges of the smart metering implementation in Romania. The possible benefits and risks resulted from the roll-out report are emphasized. The need of a smart environment is discussed. The elements at the interface with the meter should be “smart” enough to be able to make use of the meter's smartness. On the consumer's side, there is also a problem of acceptance, which makes things more delicate. Consumers need time to learn, understand, accept and use the new facilities. Aiming the maximization of benefits and minimization of risks, the paper suggests a step-by-step implementation of the smart metering functionalities.

The purpose of the study is to reveal changes of the hydrodynamics and sediment transport induced into the river channel by the operation of small hydropower plants (SHPs). A 36-km reach of the upper Prahova River in Romania has been chosen, along which 10 run-of-river developments are built. A 1D modeling software was used to compute hydrodynamic parameters over the selected reach. Two discharge scenarios were considered into the channel: (1) mean annual flow (for the natural regime, without SHPs), and (2) the minimum discharge (worst case scenario of SHP operation for the environment). Results of the second scenario show that ecologically relevant hydraulic parameters in the channel are approaching the thresholds of endangering the fish habitat. On average, depth and shear stress drop by 50%, mean velocity by 40%, and flow area by 75%. Comparison between computed nondimensional shear stress and its corresponding critical value indicates that minimum discharge can only transport finer particles than average from the bed surface, thus leading to potential filling of fish spawning areas with sand.

Present time is characterized by important changes, determined by significant advances in technology. The modern society is information oriented, technology dependent and collaborative-network active. The paper discusses the existing conditions of the transition period from the old meters to the smart meters, in terms of its impact and considering the different types of electricity consumers. It also addresses the future perspectives of the smart meters implementation in the context of actual technological changes. As the young Web 2.0 generation is moving into adulthood, smart metering systems will be more easily accepted and their use will have a better consumer feedback. To obtain the most benefits from smart metering systems, the household energy consumer must be actively involved in the planning process from its early stages, to become both a real actor in shaping the future implementation and an aware customer who adopts good demand side behaviour.