Energy experts speaking at a debate organized by the European Energy Forum said the only way to create true energy efficiency is to establish a smart meter infrastructure that incorporates direct consumer feedback. During the event, which was attended by members of the European Parliament, smart meters and energy efficiency, sometimes called the “fifth fuel,” were the main subjects of discussion.

Cameron O’Reilly, Landis+Gyr CEO, explained how transparency allows the fifth fuel to be maximized. “Smart metering is not only the essential first step toward the smart grid, but it is what connects the smart grid to the end consumer, the smart home and de-centralized and micro-generation,” he said. “No attempt at increased energy efficiency will be successful without the involvement of a well-informed end consumer.”

A recent Landis+Gyr report, Creating Energy Efficiency through Informing End Users, indicates that smart metering, combined with direct consumer feedback on energy usage through devices like ecoMeter, Landis+Gyr’s In-Home Display, is integral for success.

The energy debate was schedule to take place during a two-day European Commission conference on ICT for Energy Efficiency. Among the subjects presented are smart metering case studies and a general policy debate on how to best expedite smart meter deployment throughout the European Union. Landis+Gyr has been a vocal advocate on behalf of smart energy and has provided stakeholders with reliable information on the energy demand reductions they can deliver.

The EP Energy Committee also debated a report by European Parliament member Patrizia Toia from Italy, which urges the Commission to identify the obstacles to widespread deployment of smart meters. The report also suggests a plan for the rollout of smart metering across the European Union.

Support for the development of the smart grid is increasing. The EU recently announced the 3rd Energy Package that mandates at least 80 percent of homes to have a smart meter by 2020 and 100 percent by 2022. However, rnergy efficiency is the only one of the European Union’s 20-20-20 goals not backed by legislation.

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