## 3 Results and Discussion

Table 4: Total negative reactive power consumption (Q\(-\)) in KVAr for the metering arrays. Figure 13: Direct comparison between the two main units (EDMI and Zennio). The typical procedure for smart meter integration and the replacement of the bulky and old electromechanical module requires minimum infrastructural changes [30]. The old meter is removed, and only the case with the wiring remains, which is identical. Then, the new meter is installed, as the wiring is deployed as shown in Figure 5. The last step is based on the registration of the smart meter for the specific household via an online application to establish 4G communication, so that online monitoring and operation become available. Hence, additional equipment is not needed, while the process requires about 30 min for a moderately experienced technician. However, more time may be required if the meter is located in the basement, as an additional antenna can be installed for 4G signal amplification. The results of this layout present a variety of advantages introduced by the adoption of smart meters, including  
1. High efficiency and reliability;
2. Multi-metering ability for different values;
3. Pricing configuration;
4. Real-time data transmission and storage;
5. Wired or wireless connection;
6. Power quality enhancement;
7. Compatibility with smart home systems;
8. Gradual prevention of electricity theft;
9. Easier and faster fault detection;
10. Remote load control. It is suggested that these benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks, such as data privacy and radiation, which have to be studied further. Data privacy is a particularly easy task to address with modern cloud storage; however, any potential damage from irradiation should be evaluated to assess the significance of its effects, as cellular communication can be harmful for the user. Usefulness, ease of use and remote control are key factors for the consumers' acceptance and adoption of a smart meter [19]. Energy savings and adaptability to the smart grid system also play a significant role in in achieving that goal. However, certain users do not comply with this rule, as there are concerns about data privacy and radiation through the mobile communications network that smart meters utilize, affecting the behavior of the consumers [20]. This matter needs to be addressed, reinforcing the transition to smart metering and the era of smart grid applications. Data privacy and radiation exposure concerns can be mitigated through an integrated approach that incorporates advanced technology, robust regulatory compliance and con  
Figure 14: Four quadrant power delivery based on the load applied [29]. sumer engagement. First of all, in the case of data privacy, smart meters need to use end-to-end encryption where data are transmitted and stored. Modern encryption standards, such as AES-256, should be updated regularly [31]. The data collection should be based on the principle of minimization, where only that amount of data necessary for billing, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance are gathered, while anonymizing or aggregating them whenever possible. Access to the system should be granted only by strong authentication protocols such as multi-factor authentication and device-specific digital certificates. Periodic security audits, including third-party penetration testing, are required to identify and address vulnerabilities [32]. Transparency is a key feature to consumer trust, and utilities should clearly specify how the data are collected, used and shared, offering user-friendly dashboards to enable customers to easily monitor their own data. Additionally, consumers should have options to opt out of non-essential data collection or advanced features, ensuring a privacy-by-design approach. Compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA, is non-negotiable, and utilities must maintain detailed records and audit trails to demonstrate adherence [33].