Accurate measurement of produced, consumed, and transferred electricity underpins the entire electricity market and it is fundamental to ensure fair billing to all users. Metrology traceability ensures its correct measurement, even under unexpected grid conditions.

The measurement of the quality of power is critical to ensure the correct operation of electrical power systems and the compatibility between the electricity supplied in the grid and the equipment connected to that grid. As new technologies are developed, new power quality measurement challenges arise with them.

With increasingly complex electricity networks, having a reliable and precise visibility of grid conditions at every moment is becoming a key capability. A robust measurement infrastructure underpins this capability with accurate sensor networks and technologies.

Digital instruments are outdated hardware in smart grids, providing the capability of monitoring the grid with great accuracy. The yet unexplored metrology side of this transition, and the crucial aspect of time synchronisation of measurements, are part of the Electricity Smart Grids network research agenda.

Instrument transformers and sensors are the first elements in the electricity measurement chain. The entire measurement framework is underpinned by their precise and accurate performance. Their modernisation is a vital for the system and is supported by metrology research and innovation.

Reliability and safety of electricity grids is strictly dependent on the careful testing of their components, involving accurate reproduction and measurement of the overvoltage conditions representative of those that can be met in service.

Low voltage DC grids are an efficient alternative to traditional AC grids particularly for integrating native DC low carbon technology. Their functioning, regulation and normative standards are supported by reliable and accurate measurements of DC electrical quantities.

One of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse emissions is by reducing electricity losses and improving efficiency. The precise and reliable quantification of the losses, however, is still a challenging task. European metrology is addressing this by developing innovative measurement strategies.