Starting in 2014, a massive programme will see the
installation of ‘smart meters’ in every UK household, with a target completion date of 2020. In addition to telling householders how much energy they are using, this will allow a ‘smart grid’ to be developed. All of this will provide work for electrical contractors, installing not only the new smart meters, but also data cables to gather information about equipment usage. By 2021, managing equipment operation will also become
a major business. Many buildings will incorporate remote control and monitoring, with high speed internet allowing specialist centres to take charge of this on behalf of building occupants. With far greater use of high-tech electrical systems, demand for electrical and communications installations will be high both for installation and problem troubleshooting when they fail. A new generation of electric cars will also become available
in the next few years. This will require installation of charging points at homes, at offices, in the centres of cities and at refuelling stations. For these new cars to succeed, there will need to be a good network of charging points, providing plenty of installation and maintenance opportunities for electrical contractors.
Changing building design and new products In the past, we have tended to demolish buildings when they no longer met our needs. However, by 2021 the preference will be to renovate and change the design to meet new needs. This will create opportunities to rewire complete buildings and retrofit energy efficiency measures. Customers will also be looking for trusted energy advisers to help plan their requirements, work with the construction team to install systems and ensure efficient operation after commissioning. If the electrical contractor can build his expertise and then demonstrate his competence, he has the opportunity to perform that role. Building design and construction will change with
increased use of modular systems and components. While there will be far greater use of high-tech electrical systems, they will also be modular and plug-and-play, connected with pre-formed cables or bus bars, de-skilling electrical installation on new-build sites. New buildings will also be designed with far higher
levels of energy efficiency, including energy generation and storage facilities. There will be major changes to the way we light our buildings. All of this presents opportunities for the electrical contractor that is up to date with new innovations and technology. There will be a raft of new product developments in
response to the need for energy efficiency in buildings, but also changes to the types of products installed and the way they are used because of the high cost of raw materials like copper. As a result, cabling in buildings will have been simplified, reducing the amount and complexity of work for electrical contractors. The approach to lighting will also have changed, with more ‘designed’ solutions often simulating daylight.
How electrical contractors will need to adapt The drive to reduce construction costs will be apparent in changes to the supply chain, with specialists like electrical
36 ECA Today July 2011
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