Good decision on smart meters but more direction needed

The Energy and Resources Minister’s decision not to regulate smart meters is wise but the industry needs clear directions from government to ensure the full benefits of smart metering are realised, the Energy Management Association (EMANZ) says.

EMANZ executive officer Ewan Gebbie said today that residential smart meters will allow consumers to adjust their power use and act more energy efficiently - but this won’t be possible without smart meter display technology.

“In-house displays should be standard with all meters as it gives consumers the ability to monitor and regulate their consumption.”
Overseas studies have found households with this information clearly displayed reduced overall energy consumption between five and 10 per cent.

“Recent trials in California with the latest demand response technology shows customers with this technology installed reduced their consumption by between eight to 34 per cent.”

Mr Gebbie said industry-wide information exchange protocols should also be adopted in order to capture the maximum energy, and cost, savings available.

“We need to make a decision on protocols sooner or later - and sooner would be better - as these protocols will help us to build a fully integrated smart system. Only an integrated, standardised system will unlock significant energy efficiencies.”

The EMANZ chief executive said officials should indicate to the industry the adoption of display technology and industry-wide protocols are expected.

For more information on this release contact Ewan Gebbie at EMANZ on 021 675 853 or for more information about EMANZ visit www.emanz.org.nz

ENDS

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