Using Smart Meters Is The New Way Forward
Posted: Monday, October 19, 2009
by Tal Potishman
Heating Central
According to new figures by the government, every home in the UK will have a smart meter installed by 2020. The suppliers use the meters to record customer's gas and electricity use, and together with display device, they let consumers see how much energy they are using. This is beneficial in the sense that it eliminates the need for customers to stay at home for meter readings. Or even to receive over-estimated bills.
Why is a smart meter good?
Consumers will be able to make reductions in their energy consumption with a smart meter installed in their homes. The smart meter will help them monitor their energy use and make the necessary adjustments. This is a huge project, one that will take time and affect millions of homes and businesses.
The government is putting forward some proposals as a way of rolling the smart meters out across the UK. The first proposal allows the energy suppliers to take all the responsibilities, which include the supply and installation, and the data management.
A second idea is that the energy suppliers take on the responsibility for the maintenance and installation of the meters. However, have a third part handle the energy data. This particular option is the government's favourite proposal.
A missed opportunity?
Many of the leading manufacturers are encouraging the government's proposals, however are concerned that the delay in the enforcement will result in a missed opportunity for people to upgrade their heating systems. The figures demonstrate that there are around 17 million standard boilers that are still being used across the country.
Many see the advantages of having a device available at home that informs homeowners of their energy use. However, the longer the delay, the more people that will miss out on upgrading. Those that are taking the environmental stance argue that using a standard efficiency boiler can be environmentally unfriendly.
The smart meters are beneficial in allowing suppliers to record customer's gas and electricity usage, and letting consumers know how much energy they are consuming on a daily basis. It has been estimated that around 26 million electricity and and 22 million gas meters will need to be fitted at a cost of 7 billion.
Whatever its benefits, one thing is clear for many experts. They believe that with smart meters in every home, it will revolutionise the way households consume energy.
Some fundamental features to note
No need for estimated bills any more, as the information is sent straight to the energy supplier
The displays are presented in a way that is easily read and understood by people
Allows people to closely monitor energy consumption in their homes
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about efficient heating, boilers, plumber Glasgow, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
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