Industry opinion Smart thinking
The UK’s smart meter roll-out off ers unique opportunities for both consumers and contractors, explains TERRY ROWBURY from BEAMA
S
ince the government fi rst announced plans in 2009 to have smart metering installed in all UK homes by 2020, the drive and commitment of both government and industry to meet the ambitious timescale
has remained consistently strong. The fi rst phase of the Smart Metering Equipment
Technical Specifi cation (SMETS1) gained European approval last year, and this underpins the implementation of the ‘foundation’ stage of the roll-out. This will continue until the end of 2014, when the fi nal specifi cation (SMETS2) will come into play for the ‘enduring’ stage, which will then continue through until completion of the full roll-out in 2019. While this may seem some time away, the fi rst part of the SMETS2 specifi cation has already been presented for European approval, and BEAMA’s members in manufacturing are gearing up for a signifi cant increase in demand for products. The UK smart meter programme is unique, as it
not only introduces smart metering in every home but it also provides for an in-home display and a communications hub. These technologies will put consumers much more in control of their energy data and increase their motivation to reduce energy consumption. The information consumers receive will make them more aware of the pattern and cost of their energy use, and will allow them to negotiate between suppliers for the best rates and value-added services. In addition, energy service companies will develop to off er bespoke propositions to help consumers reduce their energy bills further.
Smartening up Part of these services will involve the development of smart homes, where enhanced communication between technologies in the home will automatically minimise energy consumption, while retaining comfort and service levels for the end user. This will require a common communications protocol to allow the full range of in-home technologies to interact. Achieving this level of interoperability will require ‘open’ standards, and BEAMA members are actively engaged in this development process. A further dimension is added by the rising profi le
of the role of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are now seen as a viable element of the planning process for the future UK energy infrastructure. The growing EV market will also create new business for electrical
contractors in installing domestic charging points. The introduction of in-home displays and the
The contractors that engage and become familiar with the growing range of smart technologies and systems will be those that are in demand in the future
greater interaction between consumers and their use of energy will create a number of opportunities for contractors. Internal home area networks will develop, which will facilitate communication between heating, lighting and appliances – and contractors will need to be up to date with the latest thinking and technology developments. This will involve smarter use of existing technologies – for example, occupancy sensors controlling lighting could also communicate with heating controls, security systems and community care systems. This will provide a major industry-wide opportunity to manufacture and install more sophisticated systems.
Innovation and integration This market change is stimulating innovation, and manufacturers are developing new products that will facilitate greater consumer engagement in managing energy use. It also coincides with a number of other policy drivers such as Feed-in Tariff s (FITs); the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI); the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation. All of this activity positions the UK as the most advanced energy and smart metering market in the EU. It is this integration of the previously disparate
About the author
Terry Rowbury is director of the energy and installation sectors within the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA).
interests of distribution networks, metering and in-home technology that provides the real buzz of excitement and opportunity. To make the ‘smart energy revolution’ happen, and to realise the opportunities that smart technologies will create, the electrical contracting industry must fully understand and harness the necessary converging skill sets and ensure the right pan-industry skills are in place. Contractors that engage and become familiar with the growing range of smart technologies and systems will be those that are in demand in the future. In summary, the planned roll-out of smart metering
systems in the UK is the most ambitious and consumer- focused in the world. It has the potential to deliver very signifi cant benefi ts for consumers – and signifi cant cost reductions. It should be the catalyst and enabler of all the ‘sexy stuff ’ that will follow, and energy suppliers and other service providers will need to develop more attractive service off erings. BEAMA and the UK industry players are very active in supporting the development of this programme and everybody should be prepared to capitalise on the opportunities.
March 2013 ECA Today 23
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