## 3 Results and Discussion
Low-power communication protocols such as Zigbee, LoRa, NB-IoT (NarrowBand IoT) and LTE-M, should be adopted to reduce radiation exposure. Dynamic power control is also recommended to adjust the transmission power according to the network distance [34]. This can be achieved by duty cycling, in order to reduce the transmission frequency to only when needed. In addition, the meters installed, based on placement guidelines, minimize human exposure to EMFs by being installed on exterior walls or away from high-occupancy areas. Regular testing for EMF needs to be performed to assure compliance with the safety standards set forth by organizations such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Consumers should be provided with transparent information regarding the level of radiation and safety certification to allay their fears. This needs to be supported by clear technical reports that could explain the potential risks [35]. Utilities must comply with the limits on radiation exposure set by both local and international authorities and work proactively with regulators to make sure the standards are evidence-based. Building consumer trust requires educating customers about the benefits, risks and safeguards of smart meters through well-designed educational campaigns. Similarly, utilities also have to engage stakeholders by working with consumer advocacy groups, regulators and health experts in order to develop best practices and address public concerns through forums or feedback mechanisms. Independent certification of privacy and safety enhances credibility, and these certifications should be prominently displayed [36]. They should also provide consumers with access to tools for viewing and managing their data, modify device settings, and set data-sharing preferences. A very clear plan, with a sound response to incidents, needs to be put in place to address data breaches or health concerns quickly and transparently. By embedding these measures into their operations, utilities can balance innovation with safety and trust, ensuring regulatory compliance and long-term consumer acceptance. Regarding electricity thefts, there are certain strategies that can be applied in smart meters [10]. The utilization of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) enables real-time monitoring of energy consumption at granular intervals. Unlike electromechanical meters, which rely on periodic manual readings, smart meters continuously transmit usage data to utility providers. This constant flow of data facilitates the detection of anomalies that may indicate energy theft, such as  
* Irregular consumption patterns;
* Alarms for intervention on the meter case, router or wiring cover. Another exclusive and interesting feature is the use of comparative analytics, utilizing machine learning algorithms, where smart meters aggregate data from multiple meters within a distribution network to identify discrepancies between the total supplied energy and the cumulative energy recorded at consumer endpoints [37]. Large discrepancies may indicate theft at a specific point within the network via clustering and anomaly detection techniques. Smart meters also incorporate tamper detection mechanisms, such as magnetic field sensors, which detect physical interference, and event logs, which record power outages, reverse energy flow or sudden connection loss. These features provide real-time alerts to utilities, enabling rapid investigation. In contrast to traditional electromechanical meters, which rely heavily on physical inspection and manual analysis to detect theft, smart meters leverage automation and advanced analytics to provide more precise, scalable and timely solutions. This shift significantly reduces detection time, increases the accuracy of theft identification and minimizes revenue losses for utility providers. The integration of these technologies represents a substantial improvement over conventional theft prevention methods.