The key to introducing Smart Metering technology is to start with a consumer information campaign.

21 June 2012 – Brussels – The European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG) defined the best way to introduce Smart Metering technology to European consumers at an evening reception, held in Brussels on 20 June in the frame of Sustainable Energy Week 2012.

Based on extensive research into the establishment of various Smart Meter pilot projects over recent years, ESMIG concluded that the key to maximizing cost and efficiency benefits from Smart-Meter enabled consumption feedback is informing consumers about the correct set-up and management procedures.

In October 2011, ESMIG published a major report, based on research conducted by the VaasaETT Global Energy Think-Tank, Finland, which showed that significant advantages in cost reduction and power generation could be achieved throughout Europe if best use is made of demand-response and power consumption feedback information.

The report, entitled Empower Demand, also highlights the overwhelming importance of understanding consumer needs, how best to communicate with them, and how to ensure their optimal adoption of smart enabling technologies. These issues were found to be key in the deciding which of the different demand-response and feedback approaches would be better to apply.

At the reception, Dr. Philip Lewis, from VaasaETT presented the second round of findings from the report. There was also a showcase exhibition featuring interoperable Smart Metering systems and equipment. ESMIG welcomed more than 100 participants, in a similar forum to the successful workshop it staged in Brussels on 8 May 2012, which demonstrated the benefits of Smart Metering technology.

Dr. Lewis commented, “Follow-up research being conducted by VaasaETT for ESMIG in 2012 shows the characteristics of communications and feedback in the best Smart Metering introduction models from around the world. Consumer awareness and involvement are key elements for successful Smart Meter roll-out that is scheduled for the coming years.” 

Yesterday’s reception focused on what Smart Metering means for the consumer, the impact of Smart Metering technologies on energy efficiency, and how they can empower the consumer to gain control of their personal energy consumption and contribute to the ambitious energy efficiency goals with the Electricity Directive, which anticipates complete deployment of Smart Meters by 2022 at the latest, and 80% of consumers being equipped with Smart Metering systems by 2020.

Dr. Howard Porter, ESMIG’s International Alliances Director added, “European consumers have the right to benefit fully from Smart Metering technology and information about their energy consumption and costs.”

Notes for Editors

The European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG) is the European industry association that provides knowledge and expertise on Smart Metering and related communications at a European level. ESMIG's members are the leading companies in the European Smart Metering Market: meter manufacturers, IT companies and system integrators. ESMIG covers all aspects of Smart Metering, including electricity, gas, water and heat measurement. Member companies cover the entire value chain from meter manufacturing, software, installation and consulting to communications and system integration. By giving support to European Union Institutions, Member States and Standardisation Organisations, the industry group aims to assist in the development of national and European-wide introduction, roll-out and management of Smart Metering solutions. 

ESMIG is an Official Partner of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign:  http://www.sustenergy.org 

For further information contact 

ESMIG Secretariat 

Phone: +32 2 7068271, Fax: +32 2 7068250 

Email: secretariat@esmig.eu 

European Smart Metering Industry Group 

Boulevard A. Reyers 80, 1030 Brussels, Belgium 

www.esmig.eu