SMART METERING

The Government has unveiled plans for every home in Britain to be equipped with smart meters by the end of 2020. Some 48 million meters will need to be fitted at a cost of £8 bn.

Wilcock Consulting currently holds a contract with OnStream for the provision of SMART metering engineers working in the gas and electricity sector. Located in Coventry, the dedicated Metering Services contract team work closely with the client to provide support and management.

Increasingly as OnStream develops its own business activities, it has recognised the need to adapt and has ensured a growth in the supply of dual fuel workers being developed and trained to install SMART meters. OnStream is committed to investing in systems for the future.

The provision of SMART metering services plays in a key part in company business objectives with a contract workforce of approaching 200 gas, electric and SMART meter workers with gas and electric metering skills.

Wilcock Consulting recognises the need for additional meter skills in the industry, not least those driven by the developments in SMART meter technology and implementation. During the last 18 months the company has brought new people into the gas and electric sectors to work as metering engineers in order to address skill shortages in technical and geographic areas. Additional training is provided to ensure the development of dual fuel SMART meter workers; enhancing customer service and communication skills that are considered to be critical as the industry moves towards SMART technology.

Close working relationships exist with Energy and Utility Skills, other government agencies and a number of training providers for the identification and training of potential resources. A number of newly qualified personnel have undertaken re-skilling courses following previous employment in such things as the motor industry.

Wilcock Consulting is registered with GasSafe for the installation of Domestic, Industrial and Commercial natural gas meters. All gas-metering resources are registered under the company’s registration with GasSafe and as a contract requirement all workers hold Client and British Gas Permits to Operate (PTO’s). SMART meter workers are qualified to work in both areas.

For more information, please visit:
www.onstream.co.uk/smartmeters

Questions & Answers

What are the benefits of SMART Metering for the consumer?

• No more meter readings - the energy company can read your meter automatically.
• More accurate bills - your bill is always based on the exact energy you use, not on an estimate.
• Lower bills - utilities will be able to pass on their reduction in customer service overheads.
• Keep track of the energy you use - you can see your energy consumption on your TV, mobile phone or other display device and monitor your usage over time.
• Sell energy back to the grid - if you generate your own energy (e.g. wind or solar power) you can sell any energy you don't use.
• Flexible tariffs - utilities will be able to change the cost of electricity or gas at certain times of the day to match with the demand. When demand is high, for instance between 5pm and 7pm (when people arrive home from work, switch on the TV, boil the kettle, and turn on the lights), energy prices are higher than at times of low demand such as in the middle of the night. Consumers will be able to alter their power use to match the lower tariff periods.

What are the carbon benefits?

Changing behaviour patterns as a result of the introduction of smart meters will smooth demand peaks and cut emissions; consumers will be much more aware of the price of their electricity or gas motivating them to take measures to cut their usage, for instance switching off lights when they leave a room or turning down the thermostat. The number of times spare power generating capacity will need to be switched on or ramped up will be reduced; these are generally some of the most polluting such as coal-fired power stations.

How do I get one?

Some countries have already started using smart meters such as Italy where the majority of homes already have one, and Sweden. In the UK a new government plan will see smart meters introduced into all homes between 2012 and 2020, while large businesses will have them within five years. Already some energy suppliers provide them including First Utility.

Who will pay for them?

Smart meters are likely to cost over £100 which the utility company is meant to pay. It is likely most of these costs will be passed onto the consumer either directly (fixed installation fee), or indirectly (increased electricity prices). Potentially we will foot the bill for a gadget that will save energy companies money (though the advantages for the end user are probably worth the extra cost).

It is estimated around 26 million electricity and 22 million gas meters will need to be fitted at a total cost of £7bn; approximately £15 per household per year between 2010 and 2020. £10 of that will be accounted for in cost savings by the suppliers, leaving the customer to pick up the other £5.

What you will save?

The average consumer is likely to save 2% to 3% off their energy use each year, cutting their bills by £25 to £35, meaning overall, households could be better off by more than £20 a year.

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email: graham@wilcock.co.uk