Business Smart Meter Rollout to Gain Momentum

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• Business Smart Meter Rollout to Gain Momentum

19th June 2020

After an initial delay, the government is now planning to set suppliers annual targets for smart meter installations.

The original programme deadline was 2020, with every household and most businesses using smart meter technology. However, the rollout was also affected by a delay in getting fully functioning ‘Smets 2’ meters to market, as well as the necessary technology not being ready.

In September 2019, the rollout was extended until 2024, and the new plan may potentially involve annual penalties for suppliers not reaching certain thresholds. 

Suppliers currently have a six-month extension of the current system, with the new annual targets system launching in mid-2021.

 

SMETS 2 Smart Meters

 

One company already making moves in this area is the energy company Drax Group. They are working with the Data Communications Company (DCC), smart meter manufacturer EDMI and software company Utiligroup, on a polyphase SMETS 2 smart meter which claims to give large industrial and commercial businesses greater control of their energy use.

Polyphase SMETS2 smart meters will allow larger businesses to track their energy usage, and use the same software used by the millions of single-phase smart meters installed domestically and small businesses across the UK.

The meters will be tested with selected Drax business customers, such as utilities and large NHS Trusts, in autumn 2020.

Paul Sheffield, Managing Director of Drax’s customer business, said: “We’re confident that this new smart meter technology is going to be a game-changer for thousands of our larger customers."

 

“This technology will enable them to enjoy greater flexibility and control over their electricity use, making them more sustainable, which will be good for both the environment and their bottom line.”

–Paul Sheffield

Managing Director of Drax’s customer business

The meters will be field-tested with selected Drax business customers, such as utilities and large NHS Trusts, in the autumn.

Dan Lambert, Chief Operating Officer for the DCC, added: “The DCC’s network is the digital backbone of the energy industry, and our customers like Drax are constantly working to help us extend its reach to more homes and businesses. Polyphase smart meters will make it available to even more businesses, from farms to tech start-ups.

“It’s been impressive how well the whole sector has collaborated throughout lockdown on this complex work. With our customers, we’re making Britain more connected so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.”

Picture: A photograph of a Drax polyphase smart meter. Image credit: Drax

Article written by Ella Tansley – published 19th June 2020

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