Gas metering with LoRaWAN: safety, accuracy, savings

Utilities and gas distribution companies are increasingly faced with the need to simultaneously reduce operating costs and improve infrastructure security.

In the face of energy challenges, a shortage of qualified personnel, and rising consumer expectations, digital technologies are becoming the answer to these demands. One of these solutions is LoRaWAN wireless technology, which, in combination with Jooby radio modules, opens a new era in gas consumption metering.

Why LoRaWAN?

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology is optimally adapted to the needs of the energy industry:

• Extensive coverage: one base station covers up to 15 km, even in difficult urban environments.

• Independence from operators: the network operates in the free 868 MHz band, which allows avoiding monthly subscription fees.

• Energy efficiency: the radio module battery lasts up to 10 years without replacement.

• Resistant to interference: Thanks to narrowband modulation, signals are transmitted reliably even from basements and metal cabinets.

How radio modules work

The radio modules are installed on analog gas meters; they use sensors to read the readings and transmit them to the operator’s software via base stations on a scheduled basis.

Each Jooby radio module connects to the meter’s pulse output, captures each pulse, and converts it to a digital value. The built-in microcontroller stores the amount of gas consumed in the internal non-volatile memory, generates an encrypted data packet and transmits it on schedule via the LoRaWAN channel to the nearest base station, after which it goes into sleep mode, saving battery power. The base station sends the information to a cloud server, where the data is automatically processed and displayed in subscribers’ accounts.

In this way, LoRaWAN, together with software, radio modules, and base stations, provides continuous, accurate, and secure metering without the need for controller raids.

Практичний ефект

After deploying 12,000 Jooby radio modules in seven cities in Moldova, the supplier reduced the number of monthly rounds by almost ten times and began closing balances in one to two days instead of two weeks. Errors in bills were reduced to hundredths of a percent, and the savings in on-site inspections and paperwork ensured a payback period of 2-3 years.

After installing 12,000 Jooby radio modules in seven cities of Moldova:

• the number of monthly rounds decreased by 10 times;

• balance sheet calculation became possible in 1-2 days instead of two weeks;

• errors in invoices have virtually disappeared;

• The system paid for itself in 2-3 years due to savings in personnel and reduced inspection costs.

Benefits for the gas company

• Enhanced safety: Detects lid removal, magnetic tampering, or sudden flow spikes — and instantly sends alerts to dispatch.

• Accurate, automated readings: Eliminates manual entry errors; data is transmitted on schedule and reflects actual consumption.

• Flexible and autonomous: Adjustable transmission intervals (hourly to daily); battery life up to 10 years.

• Fewer losses and emergencies: Early detection of leaks and tampering reduces unmetered gas and repair costs.

• Transparent billing: Tariffs can be updated daily and applied based on real-time consumption.

How to Implement Smart Gas Metering

Here’s a step-by-step roadmap for deploying smart gas metering:

1. Meter audit and pilot zone
   
   Identify meter models to be upgraded, install the required number of Jooby modules, and deploy one gateway to test coverage.

2. Network expansion
   
   Gradually connect new buildings and districts, adding base stations where signal strength needs reinforcement.

3. Integration and training
   
   Connect the IoT platform to billing software via API. Train staff and customers to use the web console and mobile app.

Conclusion

Remote gas metering with LoRaWAN and Jooby is a comprehensive solution that reduces non-technical losses, improves operational safety, and strengthens customer trust. The sooner a utility adopts this model, the sooner it will achieve long-term efficiency and meet the increasingly strict standards of the modern energy market.