Smart Power Management in Shopping Malls: Acrel Prepaid Energy Meter Enables Digital Energy Operation

25 02, 2026

With the rapid development of commercial real estate, power consumption management in shopping malls is gradually shifting from traditional manual operation to intelligent and data-driven management. In large shopping centers, the large number of tenants, diverse electricity usage patterns, high energy costs, and safety risks make traditional management methods difficult to meet modern operational requirements. Improving electricity fee collection efficiency, reducing safety risks, and optimizing energy consumption have become important goals of property management. This article introduces the application value of Acrel prepaid electricity meters in smart power management.

1. Main Challenges of Power Management in Shopping Malls

1.1 Low Electricity Billing Efficiency and Capital Recovery Pressure

Traditional electricity management relies heavily on manual meter reading and offline payment collection. This approach has long billing cycles and may lead to data errors. As mall scales increase and tenant numbers grow, post-payment models often result in delayed payments and billing disputes, reducing management efficiency.

In addition, tenants operate different business types, leading to varied power consumption patterns. Without transparent data sharing, tenants may question billing accuracy.

1.2 High Electrical Safety Risks

Food and beverage areas usually contain many high-power electrical appliances. During peak business hours, concentrated load usage may cause circuit overload risks. During promotional events, temporary equipment usage further increases electrical stress on distribution lines.

Lighting and air conditioning systems may also remain running during non-operational hours, resulting in energy waste. Harmonic currents generated by non-linear electrical equipment may affect grid stability and increase equipment wear and fire risks.

1.3 Lack of Fine-Grained Energy Management

Traditional meters cannot support time-of-use pricing or multi-rate billing strategies. Different business types cannot be accurately cost-accounted. Property managers also lack real-time energy consumption monitoring, making energy optimization difficult.

2. Acrel Prepaid Electricity Meter Smart Solution

Acrel provides an integrated solution combining prepaid electricity meters and cloud platform management systems to achieve intelligent power management.

	ADL200-NK Smart Meter Voltage: 220V Current Range: 0.4-1(60)A Application: Single-circuit lighting, socket, or air conditioning control Key Features: Customized control strategies Overpower protection Resistive load identification
	ADL200-2DM Dual-Circuit Meter Voltage: 220V Current: 0.2-5(30)A Supports two 16A independent circuits Advantages: Independent measurement of lighting and air conditioning circuits Supports abnormal load detection Identifies non-air-conditioning high-power resistive devices
	DDSY1352 Multi-Circuit Meter Series Includes DDSY1352-3DM, 4DM, and 5DM models: Voltage: 220V Current Range: 0.25-0.5(40)A to 0.4-1(80)A Supports 3 to 5 independent circuits Suitable for: Mall renovation projects Multi-functional commercial areas Core Functions: Overload protection Plug adapter recognition protection Air conditioning circuit monitoring
	ADF400L Multi-User Meter Voltage: 220V Current: 0.1-5(80)A Suitable for: Staff dormitory areas Centralized multi-user power measurement

3. Intelligent Prepaid System Core Functions

3.1 Convenient Online Payment and Remote Control

The system supports mobile payment platforms for prepaid electricity recharge.

When the account balance is low, the system triggers a three-stage warning mechanism:

• Early reminder alert
• Pre-trip warning
• Automatic power cutoff when overdue

After payment, power can be remotely restored, significantly improving payment collection efficiency, with collection rates reaching high levels.

3.2 Electrical Safety Protection Mechanism

The smart meter integrates multiple safety protections:

• Overload power protection
• Abnormal load detection
• Time-based power limitation

These features help prevent illegal high-power equipment connection and reduce electrical fire risks.

3.3 Energy Consumption Data Analysis

The system can collect real-time data including:

• Voltage
• Current
• Power
• Energy consumption trends

Daily and monthly reports help identify high-energy consumption areas such as restaurant kitchens and central air conditioning systems.

Peak-valley electricity pricing strategies can help encourage off-peak power usage, effectively reducing energy costs.

4. Technical Advantages of Smart Power Systems

High Precision Measurement Technology

High-precision measurement chips are used to ensure accurate electricity billing and fair cost calculation.

Multiple Communication Methods

Supports RS485 and NB-IoT communication:

• Strong anti-interference capability
• Suitable for complex wiring environments
• Stable data transmission

Rail-Mounted Installation

• Easy installation
• Short construction period
• Low maintenance cost

5. Cloud Platform Smart Management

The supporting cloud platform enables centralized management.

Centralized Management
Supports connection of over 100,000 measurement points across multiple projects.

Energy Visualization
Automatically generates consumption trend charts for management decision-making.

Financial Transparency
All payment and deduction records can be traced to reduce accounting errors.

Remote Control
Supports:

• Mobile remote control
• Scheduled power control
• Automatic power disconnection for overdue accounts

6. Scenario-Based Applications

Commercial Zones in Malls

• Set differentiated electricity pricing for different business types
• Limit maximum power consumption
• Prevent abnormal load access

Supporting Living Areas

• Separate weekday and holiday power control strategies
• Automatic nighttime energy saving control
• Prevent electricity theft

7. Comprehensive Value of Smart Power Management

Acrel prepaid electricity meters help commercial properties achieve:

• Higher electricity fee collection efficiency
• Reduced energy waste
• Improved electrical safety management
• Accelerated digital transformation of operations

Smart energy management is becoming a key trend in modern commercial property management.

Conclusion

With the continuous expansion of commercial electricity demand, traditional management models can no longer meet modern operational requirements. Acrel prepaid electricity meters provide a complete smart energy solution for shopping malls through digital technology, helping commercial properties achieve safer, more efficient, and more economical energy management.