Delaying the rollout of smart meters: a sensible move
19th June 2013
Last month, Energy Secretary Ed Davey announced the rollout of smart meters was to be delayed by the another year. David Green, Business Development Director, SmartReach, explains why he believes the delay is a sensible move that will increase confidence that the programme will actually deliver the anticipated benefits.
The Government estimates that the rollout of smart meters will deliver over £7 billion net benefits to consumers, and the energy industry. So, it’s important to get it right. The delay to the start of the mass rollout, announced last month, will allow more time for consumer engagement as well as to finalise technical standards, integrate and test communications, data and metering technologies. Using a single proven technology for smart metering communications will simplify integration with data services; it should also reduce costs, risks and complexity when millions of meters are installed in homes nationwide.
Engaging consumers is key
Strong consumer interest and backing will be essential to the success of smart metering in Great Britain. As the window of opportunity to build support before the rollout has been extended by a year, there is a greater opportunity to build consumer engagement and awareness. The good news is that, the more people that know about smart meters, the more enthusiastic they are. However, the challenge is that consumer awareness is low. According to DECC’s second ‘public awareness, attitude and experience of smart meters survey’, conducted by Ipsos Mori in October 2012, only 50 per cent of people had heard of smart meters and far fewer truly understood their benefits.
One positive step being taken to raise awareness of smart meters is the creation of an independent organisation to lead consumer engagement – the currently named Central Delivery Body (CDB), which is being set up from the beginning of July. The CDB will drive information programmes on the practicalities and benefits of smart metering, spanning all manner of channels from social media to working with local charities. It will be tasked with improving awareness and support, stimulating people’s willingness to change the way they use energy, and providing helpful information to assist the vulnerable.
This positive step can be supported, or undone, by the smart metering communications technology that underpins smart metering services. Using a single proven technology that connects to meters wherever they are makes the installation of smart meters in the homes much easier. It could also help improve consumer support and generate positive word of mouth at the critical early stages of the smart metering rollout.
Proven technology, proven results
The idea of introducing an overly complex or unproven smart metering communications technology for this enormous task is a major concern. SmartReach’s trials have shown it is possible to connect to smart meters anywhere using a single, dedicated communications network. This has been demonstrated through trials in Scotland, Ipswich and Reading which spanned a diverse range of geographies, building types and meter locations and connected 99 per cent of meters with a single visit to each home.
Adopting such an approach nationwide would save IT integration costs, reduce the time and expense involved in training smart meter installers and help create a positive experience for customers. Smart metering is the largest, most complex programme ever undertaken in our energy industry and cannot be allowed to fail. It’s essential that it is based on proven technology delivered by organisations with a strong heritage of setting up and running critical national infrastructure.
Engaging consumers is key
Strong consumer interest and backing will be essential to the success of smart metering in Great Britain. As the window of opportunity to build support before the rollout has been extended by a year, there is a greater opportunity to build consumer engagement and awareness. The good news is that, the more people that know about smart meters, the more enthusiastic they are. However, the challenge is that consumer awareness is low. According to DECC’s second ‘public awareness, attitude and experience of smart meters survey’, conducted by Ipsos Mori in October 2012, only 50 per cent of people had heard of smart meters and far fewer truly understood their benefits.
One positive step being taken to raise awareness of smart meters is the creation of an independent organisation to lead consumer engagement – the currently named Central Delivery Body (CDB), which is being set up from the beginning of July. The CDB will drive information programmes on the practicalities and benefits of smart metering, spanning all manner of channels from social media to working with local charities. It will be tasked with improving awareness and support, stimulating people’s willingness to change the way they use energy, and providing helpful information to assist the vulnerable.
This positive step can be supported, or undone, by the smart metering communications technology that underpins smart metering services. Using a single proven technology that connects to meters wherever they are makes the installation of smart meters in the homes much easier. It could also help improve consumer support and generate positive word of mouth at the critical early stages of the smart metering rollout.
Proven technology, proven results
The idea of introducing an overly complex or unproven smart metering communications technology for this enormous task is a major concern. SmartReach’s trials have shown it is possible to connect to smart meters anywhere using a single, dedicated communications network. This has been demonstrated through trials in Scotland, Ipswich and Reading which spanned a diverse range of geographies, building types and meter locations and connected 99 per cent of meters with a single visit to each home.
Adopting such an approach nationwide would save IT integration costs, reduce the time and expense involved in training smart meter installers and help create a positive experience for customers. Smart metering is the largest, most complex programme ever undertaken in our energy industry and cannot be allowed to fail. It’s essential that it is based on proven technology delivered by organisations with a strong heritage of setting up and running critical national infrastructure.
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The rollout of the smart meters has been delayed by a year
