Smart electricity meters to be obligatory

GD · Post by GD » 02 Feb 2007, 09:25

LONDON (Reuters) - The government is set to make smart electricity meters obligatory in homes as it steps up the fight against global warming, a well-placed source said on Friday.

The measure will be just one of many to be included in the government's Energy White Paper that is to be published in March and which will have as its two main pillars energy security and energy efficiency -- from government to individuals.

"There will be legislation on metering in the White Paper," the source told Reuters.

Smart meters not only allow consumers to see exactly how much power they are using on a minute by minute basis but they can be remotely read by suppliers who can then tailor their output and tariffs accordingly.

Gas and electricity consumer watchdog Energywatch said in a 2005 report smart meters could help cut household consumption by between three and 15 percent by encouraging users to switch lights and appliances off.

Adam1 · Post by **Adam1** » 02 Feb 2007, 10:24

Sounds like a good idea. I guess that its effectiveness in reducing demand will be subject to what you could call "the Hirsch effect" - i.e. it will take time to gear up to replace every meter in the country. Also, shouldn't they also do simple insulation upgrades at premises while they are there.

GD · Post by GD » 02 Feb 2007, 10:31

I thought it was interesting that this cropped up as it was being discussed in here the other day (I forget which thread exactly).

Cabrone · Post by **Cabrone** » 02 Feb 2007, 15:05

GD, was this the thread?

http://www.powerswitch.org.uk/forum/vie ... highlight=

Sounds very encouraging, if we want to really improve our power infrastructure then I believe we are going to need decent meters. It's quite odd that so much is spent on the grid system yet the meters in our houses are antiquated.

GD · Post by GD » 02 Feb 2007, 15:23

Yes, thanks!