Consumer watchdog Which? argues that smart meters should be accompanied by small in-home display screens which allow consumers to see how much energy they’re using. Kevin Meagher, CEO of energy management company Intamac, agrees, but he believes the government should go one step further and implement a platform that allows consumers to monitor and control their energy use remotely as well. Using broadband or mobile networks, consumers can use the internet or their mobile phones to see how much they’re using – and even control their appliances – while they’re away from the home.

One of the industry’s major concerns about the effectiveness of smart meters and usage displays in reducing consumption, is that people will stop taking notice of their energy usage once the novelty wears off. But by making use of internet and mobiles, consumers can be alerted (eg by text/email/phone call, etc) if energy use increases, giving them ongoing reminders to reduce their consumption and allowing them to do so whether they’re at home or out. This will help increase the longevity of potential savings, and encourage lifestyle changes: Consumers will start to control their home heating system remotely via web/mobile, rather than relying on pre-set timers. So you can turn on the heat as you leave the office to go home, rather than worry about all that wasted cost when you’re stuck in the office working late!

Intamac recently announced a new service in partnership with Current Cost that allows consumers to do just that:
http://www.ukhomeideas.co.uk/ideas/electrical/home-automation/intamac-and-current-cost-help-you-visualise-energy-savings

If the government gets it right, smart metering is an opportunity to introduce various kinds of applications that can make a big difference to people’s lives based on the same technology. From remotely controlling home appliances to caring for elderly relatives, seemingly futuristic applications are in fact very much within grasp. Kevin can also give you a first hand account of how he makes use of such technology in his own home, and offer a glimpse of how we might all be living in the not too distant future.

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