Important Milestone in National Smart Metering Plan
Testing phase to assess customer reaction to new electricity meters
Dublin, New Year’s Day 2010
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan today announced the start of the electricity Customer Behaviour Live Trials in the National Smart Metering Project which the Commission for Energy Regulation and other project stakeholders are carrying out and implementing on his behalf. The Customer Behaviour Trial is one of the most important aspects of the project as it provides insight as to likely future demand, and consumer reaction to new smart electricity meters.
Smart electricity meters are the next generation of electricity metering, providing real-time information on electricity costs and use. Meters using three types of technology have been installed in almost 6,400 homes around the country. Over the last six months, customers used these meters as normal, and data was collected. This data will act as a benchmark comparison for the testing phase which begins today.
Minister Ryan said, “This is good news. Not only will smart meters significantly reduce our electricity use, but they will facilitate control of costs for the customer. For the first time, customers will be able to see what they are using, what they are spending and what appliances are the biggest contributors to their overall bills.”
In the testing phase, new energy efficiency measures will be introduced. Participants in the Trial will receive:
* Dynamic Display Units with frequent pricing signals and billing displays
* Smart Web Applications where consumers can check consumption and view detailed information
* Smart Billing with information on costs and use by appliance
* Financial incentives to reach electricity reduction targets
Customer behaviour around these measures will be monitored.
“Ireland is one of the first countries in the world to introduce technologies of this kind and we are progressing as planned. It’s important that we carry out detailed trials and tests, because with a project of this magnitude, you must get it right.
When the customer and technology trials are concluded, we will examine our findings and select a technology for widespread deployment. This is essentially a national infrastructural overhaul, and we are right on track with our plans.”
The Minister also acknowledges the substantial inputs to this project by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), ESBN, SEI and BGE.
ENDS
Note to editors:
Smart Meters are the next generation of electricity metering. They are more sophisticated than ordinary electricity meters, collecting data every half hour and relaying the information to the consumer. They will allow for the introduction of innovative pricing plans based on actual use of electricity. They will allow customers access to real-time information on the cost of their electricity, and usage by appliance. Ireland is one of the first countries internationally to undertake to introduce smart metering.
The electricity customer behaviour trial will continue until 31st December 2010, in 6,393 homes around the country. Care has been taken to ensure an even spread, across various demographic groups in the country, so that the Behavioural Trials are representative of the population.
Gas metering “benchmarking” is underway – consumer behaviour trials will get underway in May 2010.
Technology trials on gas and electricity metering are also ongoing.
For further information see; http://www.cer.ie/