Wednesday, 10 February 2010 07:55

The British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA) welcomes the Government’s plans for installing smart meters in UK homes and small businesses.  Dr. Howard Porter, chief operating officer (COO) of BEAMA, made remarks on the subject at the group’s recent Smart Electricity Systems Conference.

“It is particularly refreshing to see the clarity of thinking presented in the ‘Smarter Grids: The Opportunity’ document,” said Porter, referring to the Government’s roadmap to a sustainable future.  “The paper provides a roadmap to 2050 with increased future interaction between the distribution network and energy users.”

“The provision of real time data from smart meters will facilitate enhanced communication between energy providers and energy consumers.  A smart grid will also improve the management of the electricity supply network, resulting in a more reliable and effective supply system with lower operating and maintenance costs.”

Porter went on to emphasize the important role that BREAMA member companies will have in delivering the smart grid of the future.  “We are well placed to support DECC and Ofgem through developing the necessary protocols, processes and procedures to ensure the effective delivery of the Government’s aspirations for smart metering, networks and housing.”

Porter said that if the “smart revolution” is to happen then the energy and electrical industries must ensure the correct pool of talent is available.  The sectors must also keep up with the latest developments in information communications technology (ICT).

“Integration across different networks is vital too – new smart technologies cannot be seen in isolation,” said Porter.  “Our conference addressed the need for UK smart electricity networks, how their introduction relates to broader energy and climate change policy, political ambition and timescale, plus technology opportunities from smart electrical systems.  Our underlying theme was bringing together networks, buildings and individual transport for a smarter approach to energy management.”

Attendees of the conference also shared opinions on the smart grid as it relates to the electrical, energy and communications industries.  Presentations included the rollout of smart meters in the UK, smart grids and networks, the potential impact of electric vehicles, and smart heating systems.

Rachel Fletcher spoke for Ofgem at the conference.  She addressed the technological, commercial, and regulatory challenges that must be addressed in order to create a low carbon economy.  Cultural barriers must also be addressed and focus must be on the long term.

Fletcher said that Ofgem has provided needed funds for the distribution networks so they can act quickly and rise up to the challenge at hand.  Still, she said, major technological, commercial, and regulatory changes are needed.  Distributors must participate fully in the smart metering debate and need to work closely with other industry players while considering the needs of stakeholders.

Les Woolner of Horstmann PRI said the national smart meter rollout must converge with smart applications.  Remote management of the smart home must be an option for the future along with integrated heating and hot water controls.  Woolner said smart control systems that deliver energy savings are needed and interface devices must be designed with the user in mind.

Central Networks’ Roger Hey said that energy networks can change how we use energy.  Electric vehicles can have a major impact in transitioning the UK to a low carbon economy.  He said that low carbon heating and electricity will create smart local grids.

BEAMA
Westminster Tower
3 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SL
http://www.beama.org.uk

Ofgem
9 Millbank,
London, SW1P 3GE
http://www.ofgem.gov.uk

PRI UK (Entity Group)
980 Cornforth Drive
Kent Science Park
Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AG
http://www.entity.co.uk

E.ON AG
E.ON-Platz 1
40479 Düsseldorf Germany
http://www.eon.com

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