Smart Meters are part of a larger programme laid out to reduce global warming by improving energy efficiency in the UK. They are also a way of arming citizens with an accurate understanding of their energy consumption. Many proponents also say that it will lead to more accurate billing than ever before.
Smart Meters are part of a larger programme laid out to reduce global warming by improving energy efficiency in the UK. They are also a way of arming citizens with an accurate understanding of their energy consumption. Many proponents also say that it will lead to more accurate billing than ever before.
Smart meters record hourly data and transmit it to the utility provider. This is not strictly for billing purposes,
although many consumer groups believe that it will help ensure more accurate utility bills. The real purpose is planning for both the utility company and for the individual consumer.
The data should help the energy company analyse usage and this should lead to better use of electrical generation. This, in turn, will reduce emissions, helping to stem the tide of global warming. In contrast, current meters can give only long term usage information, furthermore, they are only one-way communicators, unable to send information back to the central system.
Smart meters will eliminate the need for meter readers to come to your home and they will also guarantee that your energy provider uses updated information, and it will alleviate the feeling of many consumers that the provider is overcharging for power that has not been used.
For household budgets, the data should help the individual to regulate their own usage. A better billing system may incorporate the data, rewarding those who minimise electricity use during peak hours. By utilising lower cost off-peak tariffs, it is expected that consumers will save. This is assuming that utility companies pass savings to their customers.
The placement of Smart Meters in every UK home is estimated to take some time. Time is needed because 53 million gas and electricity meters will need to be changed by their energy provider, according to the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change.
When the DECC first approved the smart meter programme in 2008, the deadline was set for 2020. The time was needed, or so the DECC thought, to develop the best smart meters with the most efficient relay systems.
However, the Parliament has asked for an accelerated time table. The effort is underway now to complete this process by the end of 2014 with a “Go Live” date in summer 2012.
Since 2008, the DECC has been consulting with utilities providers to determine such matters as the specifications for the meters and minimum standards for displays. Ofgem, the utility regulator, has also been involved in these negotiations.
Some consumer protection advocates have expressed concerned that the high cost of switching every home to smart meters will be passed on, but the energy provider realised savings will be withheld. It remains to be seen whether the DECC and Ofgem can ensure consumer protection throughout this process.
The UK has taken the lead in the installation of smart meters. Hopefully many other countries will quickly follow Britain's good example.
