Smart Meters

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Smart Meters

• Revolutionising the domestic energy market
• September 2009

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What is a smart meter?

• Two-way real-time link between customer and
  energy company
• Enables suppliers to read meters remotely
• Provides accurate information on electricity
  gas use

3
Continued

• Can closely monitor the amount of electricity and
  gas you use
• Ends reading inaccessible meters under the stairs
  and in cupboards
• Gives consumption / price information on a
  hand-held display device / internet / mobile
  phone

4
What are the benefits for customers?

• Accurate bills no more estimates
• Wireless monitor / PC shows real time information
  on energy use

5
Continued

• Can help people understand their energy use
  take steps to reduce it
• Likely result in new tariffs for consumers
  according to useage at off-peak times
• Assist microgeneration sale to grid
• Enable customers to be in control to reduce
  bills carbon footprint

6
What are the benefits for energy companies?

• Increased cost efficiency better customer
  service
• Remote meter reading
• Reduced back office processes
• Fewer customer calls about meter readings / bills
• Scope to introduce new tariffs

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Benefits for the environment

• Consumers use 2-3 of energy less each year
• Reduced UK carbon emissions

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Can I have a smart meter now?

• Not yet but trials ongoing in St Athan
  elsewhere
• Planning stages must be as thorough as possible
• Definition for smart meters needs to be agreed
  first by Government and industry
• Imperative to have compatibility industry
  standard

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What are Government plans

• May 2009 - Government said it will mandate
  delivery of smart meters to all homes by 2020
• 3 month consultation period ended beginning of
  August
• Response expected in late 2009

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Public opinion

• Only 31 know about Government plans
• 68 unsure of what smart meters are.
• But
• Half of people who do know think a smart meter
  would help them save energy
• 90 of consumers have tried to reduce the amount
  of energy they use indicating demand

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The energy industry view

• Energy Retail
• Association (ERA) says
• Switching to smart meters is huge task
• Big challenge for Government Ofgem is to spread
  the message.

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Continued

• ERA urges Government to
• Publish its formal response to consultation asap
• To establish programme for 46 million smart meter
  installations
• To turn its preferred options into firm policy
  decisions and clear action.

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Continued

• Therefore
• Sooner roll out begins, sooner people can have
  more information to help them reduce their bills.
• Gives Government opportunity to accelerate move
  to a low carbon economy.

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ERA Chief Executive Garry Felgate

• "Time is of the essence. The longer we wait for a
  response from Government, the longer will be the
  delay before smart meters can be installed and
  customers can start saving money on their bills.
  As well as saving money, smart meters also
  provide the Government with an excellent
  opportunity to accelerate its plans to move
  Britain to a low carbon economy. Its time to get
  the ball rolling.

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Welsh Assembly Government Support

• Widespread support for roll out of smart meters,
  including
• First Minister Rhodri Morgan
• Minister for Environment, Sustainability and
  Housing Jane Davidson
• Chair of Sustainability Commission, Mick Bates
• Renewable Energy Route Map commitment to take
  forward installation of smart meters

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Questions?

• Enquiries to
• Warwick Emanuel PR
• info_at_wepr.co.uk
• 02920 555505