The paper – Energy security and Smart Meters – from Cornwall Insight, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, outlines how through empowering consumers to change how much energy they use and when they use it, smart meters could facilitate additional renewable generation and reduce Great Britain’s reliance on imported energy, thereby saving consumers money.
Households directly consume around a third of all gas and electricity used each year. They contribute to the daily peaks in electricity demand, which occur on weekdays, usually between 4pm and 7pm when there is a greater crossover between industrial, commercial and household usage. Times of peak demand are often linked to an increase in fossil fuel generated electricity, which can be more expensive than other fuels and increases the cost of wholesale electricity at peak times.
40% of electricity from renewables
By providing near real-time information through a visual in-home display, consumers are able to see how much energy they are using and can change their habits accordingly, reducing or shifting energy consumption away from peak periods and lowering overall consumption. Using the half hourly data from smart meters, customers can be rewarded for reducing their use of electricity and gas at certain times, in a way that would not be possible with a traditional meter. Real-time electricity consumption management can also support National Grid Electricity System Operator in managing supply and demand.
See also: Roadmap for 40 GW PV by 2030
While just under 40% of electricity generated in Great Britain comes from renewable sources, around 40% is generated using gas. More than half of the gas used in Britain is imported. By reducing the amount of electricity and gas consumed (where possible), consumers can support energy security by reducing the need to operate some of the country’s most carbon-intense generating stations. Lower demand for gas will reduce our reliance on imported gas for our heating, and for the gas used to generate electricity. (mfo)
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