Complete end to end smart solution
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SMART METERING AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU!
Steve Mitchell, COO of Remote Energy Monitoring, a UK provider of domestic smart metering solutions, answers your key questions about what Smart Meters will mean to you.1. Is everyone going to receive smart meters?
The Government has set out a plan for every household in the UK to have a smart meter installed by 2020, so yes over the next 10 years everyone should receive one.
2. Do I need a new meter? When will this be installed?
All the current meters, will be changed, but the exact timing will be dependent on your local energy provider
3. How does the smart meter work?
Smart meters will mean that for the first time consumers and energy suppliers will have accurate real-time data showing exactly how much electricity and gas is being used. By being linked to a communications network, in REM's solution a GPRS network, the meter can actively communicate with the energy company to provide exact consumption data.
4. The Government talks about "delivering efficiencies" - how do smart meters do this?
Depending on the customer, and how you adjust your energy use as a consequence of receiving this information, smart meters could help you save significant amounts on your energy bills - estimates are between 3% and 15%.
Additionally the high level of intelligent information that the meter will give the utilities companies about consumption will enable them to behave more efficiently by predicting energy consumption to a greater degree and buying the appropriate energy.
5. What is the cost of these smart meters?
Smart metering is an efficiency solution, the cost of which will be covered by the efficiencies achieved and actually provides long term savings for both customers and utilities. REM is seeking to provide the highest quality long term solution at the most cost effective price.
6. Do smart meters work for pre-paid and/or credit customers?
This is where smart meters really have an impact. As utilities will be able to communicate directly with your meter, they can update the credit details whenever they need to and additionally advise you when you maybe approaching your limits.
7. Will smart metering enable consumers to change service rates/charges more quickly if their energy habits change? How quickly will these changes be filtered through to the bill?
As a smart meter is in constant communication with an energy provider, changes can be made - literally while you are on the phone to your supplier's customer services department.
8. Will smart meters discriminate when energy is consumed?
A smart meter won't discriminate when you use energy, but it will inform you of how you are using your energy, enabling your energy company to be able to offer you relevant energy savings tips. Additionally the level of data will enable you and the energy provider to make sure you are on the appropriate tariff.
9. How much could people save though the use of smart metering?
At present it is difficult to judge, but estimates are between 3 - 15%! If all UK households deliver savings in this range, it is the equivalent of saving a whole new power station!
10. Who is in charge of ensuring smart meters are accurate and functioning? How often do the meters need servicing?
Your energy provider will be in charge of managing your smart meter. REM's meter has received accreditation from OFGEM, meaning that it passed a number of rigorous tests dealing with potential impact of tampering, extreme weather conditions, fire etc. So the meters are very resilient and with the communication functionality, updates will also be able to complete remotely.
