Russia’s Smart Meters Help Cut Power Losses and Save Billions

Regions like Bashkortostan are seeing measurable benefits from installing smart electricity meters—part of a nationwide push to modernize energy infrastructure.

Digital technology is proving critical to energy efficiency across Russia. In several regions, smart electricity meters are helping utility providers cut power losses. According to Bashkirenergo, power losses in its grid fell by 2.3% between 2011 and 2024. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, losses dropped by 0.29% compared to the same period last year.

The improvements stem from a sharp increase in installations—40,000 smart meters were deployed in 2024 alone, bringing the total number of functioning devices in the region to over 418,000.

The trend isn’t limited to Bashkortostan. Other regions are reporting similar outcomes. By 2030, Russia plans to install at least 18.1 million smart meters nationwide. According to the Ministry of Energy, the digital overhaul could reduce annual power losses by tens of billions of rubles—translating into projected savings of 70–80 billion rubles (approximately $770–880 million) per year.