EU

The Irish Government announced last week its trial of smart electricity meters is entering the next stage with the roll out of display units and incentives for customers to reduce usage.

Over the last six months, smart meters based on three different technologies have been installed in almost 6400 homes across the country. Customers used their meters as normal, but data was collected to serve as a benchmark.

The next phase of the National Smart Metering Project is the Customer Behaviour Live Trials, which will see customers provided with dynamic display units, web tools to monitor consumption information and smart billing.

Customers will also be given financial incentives to reduce electricity usage and their behaviour will be monitored.

“Ireland is one of the first countries in the world to introduce technologies of this kind,” said Energy Minister Eamon Ryan at the trial launch. “It’s important that we carry out detailed trials and tests, because with a project of this magnitude, you must get it right.”

The results of the trial will be collated and analysed before a technology is selected for widespread deployment, he added.

“This is essentially a national infrastructural overhaul, and we are right on track with our plans,” said Ryan.

For further information:
www.gov.ie

Related stories:
UK Government unveils final smart meter roll out plans (2-Dec 2009)
US utilities share $3.4 billion investment in smart grid technology (28-Oct 2009)
European Parliament backs smart metering across the region (28-Apr 2009)