Nick has been with Navetas since October 2008 and is the company's Strategic Communications Director. Nick has worked for a number of years in the Public Affairs and Communications Industry, providing advice to names such British Airways, John Lewis Group, Prudential and Sainsbury's on a range of issues.

Blog > Consumers are central to the success of smart meters

Consumers are central to the success of smart meters

Tuesday 17th January 2012

Yesterday Which? called for the smart meter roll out to be halted. Which? has questioned the cost of the roll out and has flagged serious consumer concerns regarding the expected efficacy, safety and data security of smart meters. As a result Which? is asking for a pause on the smart meter roll out in order to allow a thorough examination of the costs and for further consultation directly with consumers.

I have commented here many times that smart meters must not be seen simply as an infrastructure upgrade. If we are to reap the full benefits of smart meters then the programme must focus as much on consumer engagement as it does on the technology - a view also voiced by Charles Hendry the Energy Minister.

Clearly, in light of the announcement from Which?, this consumer engagement is currently falling short. Does this mean we should put the smart meter roll out on hold? I don’t think that is necessary, but clearly there is a need for the energy sector and Government to work much harder with and for consumers.

In fact there is a significant opportunity for Government and energy suppliers at this moment. The full roll out is not scheduled to begin until 2014 - the next two years are ‘Foundation’ years which will involve extensive testing and refinement of the smart meter system to ensure that it works as it should. I would argue that these foundation years must also include a significant consumer engagement and awareness campaign to ensure that come 2014 consumers are ready for, and bought into, smart meters.

This could involve rolling out the energy displays and other supporting technologies that will form part of the full smart meter network - giving consumers real experience of the benefits that smart meter technology can bring. Energy suppliers could also aid the process by starting to introduce the tools that will help consumers better understand their energy use - either through bills or with intermediary technologies.

Starting this process now will be critical to the success of smart meters, and in my opinion would have been necessary regardless of Which?’s criticisms this week. The opportunity is now; will the energy sector grasp it?

 

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