Features

Early 2009 is set to be a key time in determining the future role of smart meters in the UK with an announcement expected from Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, as part of its ongoing consultation into the models for smart meter roll out across the country.

In terms of smart meter technology, as a country, the UK seems to be far behind Europe and it is only now in 2009 that Ofgem will determine how to implement a national rollout.

The Government has announced that smart meters must be implemented across the whole of the UK by 2020. This month will offer an insight into Ofgem’s decision to instruct either a fully competitive model for all energy suppliers to make their mark or whether there will be an industry-appointed company chosen to ensure the momentous change takes place.

First:utility, an independent energy supplier, launched in September 2008 with a UK first to roll out the smart meter business model to all customers as standard. With energy bills rising and customers struggling with their finances, first:utility aims to bring a new approach to customers and provide 100% accurate billing with detailed information on where energy consumption is being used within the household. This will not only help consumers tackle rising energy costs, but will also help change energy usage habits to ensure wastage is kept to a minimum. As an independent provider, first:utility is focused on consumers needs and has an innovative and intelligent approach to energy provision, which will make a difference to household outgoings.

According to Mark Daeche, co-founder of first:utility, “Smart Metering really does go to the core of the issue of energy consumption. An intelligent energy service based on Smart Metering can offer two areas of savings. The first is reduction in usage through the provision of accurate and timely information on consumption. The second is the capability to move consumption to the cheapest time within multiple tariffs. From a financial perspective, when householders are counting the pennies and not looking forward to high energy bills, the first:utility Smart Metering service means they can save money by reducing wasted energy – the cheapest energy unit is the one you have not used!”

The UK energy industry is under constant scrutiny from the Government and is facing uncertain times right now - the new smart meter model may be one solution to problems arising in the market at present. Which way Ofgem decides to go remains to be seen. Will it keep the competitive market alive or take away the opportunity for the companies to manage and control their own smart meters?.

Written by first: utility - www.first-utility.com