Metrology is in the very basis of acquiring scientific knowledge. In today’s interdependent world, ensuring uniform metrology inside and across national boundaries is a very important enabling factor of both national and international trade. In electric power systems, measurements of electrical and non-electrical quantities are necessary for their control, protection, and safe and reliable operation. Another very significant application of metrology is in electric energy trade, i.e. in revenue metering for both industrial and residential customers, but also between countries. The impact of distributed power generation, renewable energy resources, and the deregulation of electrical power utilities introduced in many countries will be discussed. An attempt will be made to address the question of what Smart Grids really are, and how they relate to smart metering, synchrophasor measurements, energy storage, and other power system technologies. The role of National Measurements Institutes will be highlighted. New instrumentation and measurement methods for both highest-accuracy and industrial applications for AC electrical power and energy, including high-voltage and high-current calibrations and applications, will be addressed.
