The fluctuating cost of basic utility usage often raises questions and concerns from the public, such as “How much does 1 cubic meter of PDAM water cost?” or “Why is my bill different every month?” These questions can usually be answered by looking at two main factors: the customer category tariff and the accuracy of usage recording.

Challenges in Data Recording

The problem arises when usage data is still recorded manually. It's not uncommon for meter officers to rely on estimation as their main reference during data recording. This often leads to recorded usage not reflecting the actual amount consumed. For example, if the assigned officer is unable to visit during the scheduled maintenance, consumption for the current month may be mixed with the following month’s data, and any damage to the meter would go unnoticed without direct inspection.

The Right Solution for Data Recording Issues

However, this issue is no longer relevant thanks to the smart meter innovation powered by IoT from PT IoT Kreasi Indonesia, which has transformed the way data is collected. With the LoRaWAN protocol enabling long-range wireless connectivity, the sensors on the meter automatically send data to an online monitoring dashboard in real-time. The monitoring can be set at intervals ranging from minutes to hourly, while using very low bandwidth.

Benefits of Smart Meters

By using smart meters, utility providers such as PDAM, PGN, and PLN can calculate energy bills based on factual data, free from subjective assumptions. In addition, issues like leaks can be detected faster because the transmitted data reflects actual usage. So if there’s a sudden spike or unusual usage, it can be addressed immediately without needing to physically inspect the device or the pipes. Since all data is stored on a cloud-based server, there is a complete usage history that can be reviewed if any discrepancies arise with the user.

Because of this, customers no longer need to worry when receiving their water bills, as water usage and cost estimation are now managed by a system that matches the per-cubic tariff with the actual usage.

IoT technology now supports transparency, accuracy, and trust between providers and users. As public demand for basic utilities continues to grow and pricing becomes more variable, efficient data monitoring has become an essential part of modern energy management.