[ Focus: Green policy ]
Smart meters Commercial opportunity? Rising star for 2013? There has been much talk about smart meters and their installation. Originally, there were going to be around 47 million smart meters installed before 2020. However, as time has rolled on and their specifi cation has yet to be agreed, this number has dropped to a bit more than 20 million smart meters installed before 2020, with the rollout beginning in 2014. This still presents a major challenge – and possible opportunity for the electrical contracting industry. A true smart meter is one that communicates – it can
both send and receive data. By receiving data, tariffs can be changed and electrical loads may be switched on receipt of set instructions. Also, a local display for the user will be available, so instant load decisions can be taken.
The ultimate aim of this program is to develop a ‘smart grid’, where loads can be remotely switched on or off to smooth out the peaks and troughs of electricity usage, reducing the number of power stations required and improving their effi ciency. The scale of this installation programme is enormous, with up to 30,000 meter installations per day required if the target is to be met. The additional work required, if the switching option is utilised, could be a large revenue stream for many contractors.
EU Energy Effi ciency Directive Commercial opportunity? Rising star for 2013?
The EU has a target to save 20 per cent of its primary energy consumption (against business as usual projections) by 2020 through improvements in energy effi ciency. However, the Commission estimates that the EU is currently only on track to achieve half of that target. Therefore, the EU has proposed to implement the EU Energy Effi ciency Directive. In 2014, if progress is still insuffi cient to meet the EU’s 2020 target, the EU Commission will propose mandatory national energy effi ciency targets. The directive is very broad in scope, and would affect energy generators, suppliers, and consumers. It would replace the existing Energy End Use Effi ciency and Energy Services Directive and the Cogeneration Directive, both of which have been fully implemented in the UK. A key area of potential opportunities for contractors providing energy solutions is that from January 2014, public bodies would need to refurbish three per cent of their buildings annually, and buy ’energy-efficient buildings, products and services‘, to reduce their energy consumption.
Included among other measures covered by the directive are the following: ‘Certifi cation schemes’ would be introduced. They would apply to the providers of energy services ‘to ensure a high level of technical competence’; Energy utilities would encourage end users to cut energy consumption through effi ciency improvements; Industry would be expected to be more aware of energy-
About the authors
Bill Wright Bill Wright is Head of Energy Solutions at the ECA
Megan Williams
Megan Williams MSc, of Parity Projects, is former environmental advisor at the ECA
saving possibilities, with large companies required to undertake energy audits every three years; Consumers would be better able to manage their energy consumption using new information from their meters and bills; There will be more co-generation of heat and electricity; and National energy regulatory authorities would take energy effi ciency into account when deciding how, and at what cost, energy is distributed to end users.
Conclusion This article provides a snapshot of some of the plethora of energy-related regulations and policy, beyond the Green Deal. The need for both businesses and domestic consumers to become more energy effi cient – and the rising cost of energy – should create many opportunities for contractors wanting to work in the growing energy market over the coming years. However, with so many areas open to change from decision makers in government and in the EU, it’s vital for electrical contractors to keep up to date with current policies and be aware of any changes that can affect their business. The ECA’s Energy Solutions team is ready to help members with the opportunities, and challenges, ahead.
A biomass boiler installed at a London Fire Brigade station
July 2012 ECA Today 29
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