Smart meter advocates would be pleased to note that the Conservative Party manifesto did contain a reference to Smart Metering alongside its commitment to improve the energy efficiency of a million homes over five years, but overall disappointingly the statement lacked true substance with regard to tackling energy waste.
The Labour Party’s equivalent document, which did contain strong and repeated references to improving the energy performance of homes (with an ambition two and a half times greater in terms of households to be improved), did not make an explicit mention of Smart Metering.
The Conservative Party did explicitly refer to Smart Meters. But does this mean a Conservative government would deliver the Smart Meter agenda in the same manner as is envisaged now? Will Smart Meters roll out to the point of delivering instantaneous meter reading to consumer and supplier and beyond that, actively assist the end user in managing their power consumption?
The reference to Smart Meters in the Tory manifesto is conservative at best. It reads, ‘we will ensure that every home and business in the country has a Smart Meter by 2020, delivered as cost-effectively as possible, so consumers have instant, accurate bills and can switch to an alternative provider within one day.’
Of course, one of the primary reasons for pursuing Smart Meters is that consumers can have instant access to information on their electricity and gas use. Yet the potential for demand management and to lower peak demand if Smart Meters attain their full potential is far greater and would require meters capable of more than a system operating within the bounds of the Tory manifesto statement.
A truly ‘Smart’ system could reduce the necessity for further infrastructure and grid investment as well as lowering consumption and waste. Access to energy related information – and the means to act on it- would be a valuable tool for streamlining our economy, enriching our society and improving our environment. Persistent effort will be required however to deliver a Smart Metering system capable of providing this result
The Smart Meter agenda has come under criticism recently, with some stating it is unlikely to deliver substantial savings to the consumer. What is certain is that these savings will not be realised unless a long term vision for Smart Meters is embraced.
Will the Conservatives commit to this long term vision?