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 > We must push forward with smart meter technology

We must push forward with smart meter technology

Tuesday 24th January 2012

An announcement from Which? last week was calling for the smart meter roll out to be put on hold so that the potential impacts of the roll out could be investigated further. Charles Hendry, the Energy Minister, provided an official response in a letter to the Daily Mail, making it clear that the Government is not planning to call a halt to its smart meter plans.

Indeed, the Minister goes on to mount a strong defence of the smart meter programme, saying: “Consumer protection is at the core of the programme and we’ve been consulting consumer groups over the past year. Smart meters will give more control over how we use energy at home and work, helping us cut waste and save money. And it will mean an end to estimated billing: no more nasty surprises for consumers.”

I agree with the Minister’s statement that smart meters are all about giving consumers more control over their energy and, while there may well be some concerns around consumer buy-in for the smart meter roll-out, a pause in proceedings isn’t necessarily the right approach at this juncture.

Keeping up momentum and interest is important and we must continue to push to ensure we realise the maximum benefits from smart meter technology. As important as the two issues of consumer protection and accurate billing are, as highlighted by Hendry, the Government must also appreciate that smart meters have the potential to be far more compelling for consumers.

With the right technology and network infrastructure, smart meters could fundamentally alter the energy market, and consumers’ relationships with energy companies. They have the potential to deliver an energy sector that has energy efficiency and lowering energy demand at its core.

In five years, we could not only be experiencing a far more consumer-friendly energy market, but also a far more broadly beneficial sector. If we make the right decisions now – and act on them – this could be the true legacy of the smart meter roll out.

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