Abstract: This paper analyses methods of electricity consumption reading with a particular focus on security aspects and the economic feasibility of remote electricity meter reading systems. The study compares traditional manual reading, customer self-reading, and remote reading based on criteria such as costs, accuracy, efficiency, and data security. Special attention is given to security risks associated with remote meter reading, as well as to protection measures against cyber-attacks and their role in preserving data confidentiality and integrity. The methodology is based on a review of relevant literature and a comparative analysis of the economic feasibility of individual reading methods. The results of the analysis indicate that remote meter reading, when supported by standardized security mechanisms such as encryption and access control, provides a higher level of security and operational efficiency and represents a reliable and long-term sustainable solution, despite higher initial implementation costs.

Keywords: remote meter reading, cyber security, vulnerabilities, data protection