A recent report (Smart Meter Policy Framework) from The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) released in June 2021, has concluded that the ‘case for smart metering has never been more compelling than it is now.’ The report explains that the Covid pandemic has highlighted the importance of moving to digital services across the economy.
How has Covid highlighted the benefits of digital energy?
Covid has brought into sharper focus the benefits of moving to digital services across the economy, including in energy. It has brought home the consumer benefits of smart meters and digital energy. Automatic meter readings, for example, mean that meter readers do not need to visit homes and consumers receive accurate bills. Prepayment customers can track and manage their energy consumption, manage their spend and top-up credit without leaving their homes. The case for smart metering and digital energy has never been more compelling than it is now.
How far along are we in completing smart meter roll-outs?
The smart meter roll-out will help the UK meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050. BEIS calls them "the building blocks of a more flexible and resilient energy system fit for the 21st Century". Furthermore, The Committee on Climate Change estimates the costs of delivering net zero emissions by 2050 could be up to £16 billion higher each year without the flexibility enabled by smart metering. According to BEIS, in March 2021, there were 24.2 million smart and advanced meters in homes and small businesses across Great Britain, representing 44% national smart meter coverage. While there is still some way to go, Ofgem has been clear that all energy retailers, regardless of size, need to be prepared and work to the rollout deadlines.
Providing real-time digital energy data through smart in-home displays
Consumers can view digital energy data on their in-home display, which connects to their smart meter. This energy data helps consumers monitor and adapt their real-time energy use and, if using pre-pay functionality, incorporates a backup facility to enter a Unique Transaction Reference Number (UTRN) code for credit top-up, safely and securely. When consumers and businesses can manage and reduce their energy consumption by using data accessed through a smart in-home display, this helps minimise environmental impact and reduce the significant effect of home energy use on carbon emissions.
We are doing our bit to minimise environmental impact
In-Home Displays Ltd. supplies market-leading smart in-home display products for smart energy and connected home markets. We work with major energy players, helping them better engage with their customers and helping consumers manage and reduce their energy use in real-time by accessing their energy data from smart meters.
Since our in-home displays are a key contributor to the smart energy programme and the success of net zero, we think it’s important that they are also environmentally friendly. That’s why all our packaging is made from 100% biodegradable and recyclable materials and our products are designed to significantly exceed WEEE2012 recycling and recovery targets.
Get a deep dive on why smart metering is an important enabler for net zero in our recent article here.
Check out our range of in-home displays here or contact us to have a chat about your in-home display or smart energy needs.