Final answer:
A smart meter tracks electricity usage and sends the data to the utility company, often using a wireless connection, and measures energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Step-by-step explanation:
A device that tracks electricity usage at a residential or commercial customer site and then sends that data to the utility company, often through a secure wireless connection, is called a smart meter. These smart meters measure the energy used in units of kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is the product of power in kilowatts and time in hours. The kWh is a standard unit used primarily for electrical energy provided by electric utility companies.
Smart meters provide real-time data and eliminate the need for manual meter readings, allowing both consumers and utility companies to monitor and manage energy consumption more efficiently. Furthermore, these meters play a crucial role in grid-tied photovoltaic systems to balance solar energy production and the use of utility electricity based on the household's energy demand throughout the day.