Green Energy
consumption and generate their own. As part of smart grid modernisations, programmes have been launched or expanded that encourage energy customers to adjust their consumption in response to pricing signals, penalties, or curtailment requests. Due to this potential flexibility, a customer’s
energy consuming loads and any on-site energy generation capabilities are now considered important distributed energy resources. At peak times, these are critical to helping balance the grid.
An increasing number of homes and businesses can also be encouraged to produce solar or wind-based electricity onsite. Many have moved to self-generation naturally, either to reduce their carbon footprint or offset high grid energy costs. Yet, with the presence of government grants and support, uptake can be substantially boosted. By adding an energy storage system, energy
prosumers can further maximise the self- consumption of this energy. It will extend their energy flexibility by gaining more control over when they are able to use it. Building their own microgrid in this way also gives consumers a green energy reserve that can keep critical loads or processes running during short-term blackouts. When demand is high, prosumers can also sell unused energy held in their batteries back to the grid, which utilities can make use of to balance their network.
Energy efficiency begins at home For consumers, new, interconnected technologies can satisfy the desire for greater control over their energy usage. It can also turn them from passive into active participants
embedded within the energy infrastructure. However, consumers must first be encouraged and empowered by energy suppliers and given the right information and tools. This includes the provision of advanced metering infrastructure, smart metering technology, and the implementation of automated demand response services. Smart meters serve as the first point of engagement or consumers and the utility, providing them with more information on their energy consumption across various interconnected devices. Knowledge is power and a strong motivator – 24 per cent of UK consumers claim that having access to their consumption data would motivate them to be more responsible energy users. Smart meters also provide an easy way to
participate in demand response programmes. Demand response occurs when a grid operator identifies a consumer who is using a large amount of energy and asks them to limit their consumption – often through an automated process and usually in exchange for an incentive such as discounted prices. Taken together, these tools and services allow utilities to help their customers identify and implement energy-efficient projects to reduce their energy consumption and bills. This can provide utilities with a competitive edge, increasing customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention, reducing delayed repayments and creating new markets for potential services. Yet, they also enable providers to orchestrate and manage energy consumption, increasing or decreasing demand where needed through lower pricing structures and automated DR and shifting loads to mitigate peak power. Ultimately,
they allow utilities to provide more reliable power where and when it is most needed, as well as make better use of their existing assets and add new low-cost systems to their portfolios as opposed to the expensive construction of new energy sources. The impact of the average, everyday consumer
is too often ignored or overshadowed. Individual action, whether motivated out of concern or a desire to make things better, can make a huge difference. There are many paths to greater energy efficiency, but one thing is clear: saving the planet must begin at home.
schneider-electric.co.uk
ewnews.co.uk
July 2019 electrical wholesaler | 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
