Consumer benefits significant – use Smart Meters
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09 May 2012 – Brussels – The European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG) believes that consumer awareness and involvement are key elements for the Smart Meter roll-out over the coming years to be successful, as consumer benefits in terms of energy and consumer savings will be significant.
This was pointed out yesterday at a day-long workshop and showcase exhibition, which demonstrated and explained the benefits of Smart Metering technology. The event took place at the Scotland House Conference Centre, Brussels.
“European consumers have the right to benefit fully from Smart Metering technology and information about their energy consumption and costs. Smart Metering technology and information requirements need to be included in the Energy Efficiency Directive, otherwise an incredible opportunity will be lost – and not regained before 2020”, told the meeting John Harris, ESMIG’s Regulatory & Policy Working Group Chairman (who is also, Head of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs for Landis+Gyr AG).
The workshop entitled “Energy Efficiency & Smart Meters – What’s in it for the consumer?” focused on what Smart Metering means for all Europeans, the impact of Smart Metering technologies on energy efficiency, and how these will enable consumers to gain control of their personal energy consumption. Widespread adoption of Smart Meters is expected to contribute to the EU’s ambitious energy efficiency goals, which are set to increase Europe’s energy efficiency by 20% by 2020.
Some 100 participants attended the workshop and enjoyed the unique opportunity to visit the first ever Smart Metering showcase exhibition in Brussels. ESMIG members answered their questions and helped the delegates interact with and understand the benefits of state-of-the-art Smart Metering technologies.
Frank Hyldmar, ESMIG Vice-President, opened the first session on energy efficiency and consumer benefits. Other high-level speakers included Bastian Fischer (Vice President, Oracle), Ralf Conrads (Project Manager Smart Metering, Research and Development, EWE) and Krzysztof Gierulski (Policy Officer, DG Energy), who examined the metering and billing information provisions in the proposal for a Directive on Energy Efficiency from the perspective of the consumer and further explored the potential of Smart Metering technologies.
Mr. Gierulski highlighted the importance of metering and billing information provisions in the EED saying that “the final customer needs information about energy consumption and costs, therefore an interface connected to the Smart Meter is essential.”
Dr. Howard Porter (International Alliances Director, ESMIG) introduced the second session of the workshop which focused on the initial findings of a study called “Empower Demand – Phase II”. The independent research, conducted by VaasaETT and supported by ESMIG, is now shining light on the characteristics of communications and feedback in the best programmes around the world.
“Early findings suggest that we may need to re-think the very nature of the way programmes are commonly conducted and reject some common myths about what drives consumers,” said Dr. Porter.
Nick Wellington (Strategic Commercial and Communications Director, Navetas), elaborated on the consumer benefits from energy displays and Jessica Stromback (Executive Director, SEDC) closed the session with a presentation on how to enable a residential market place through demand response uptake.
Each session was followed by lively and informed panel discussions, also involving utilities, NGO and consumer organisation representatives.
Download position paper and presentations here.
(http://www.esmig.eu/news-folder/press-release-energy-efficiency-and-smart-...)
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:
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