ENERGY FIRMS URGED TO GET SMART WITH SMART METERS

03 March 2010, 9:39am

ENERGY FIRMS URGED TO GET SMART WITH SMART METERS

Ensuring a green start to a country-wide installation process

By 2020 46 million utility meters in Britain will be replaced for eco-friendly Smart Meters, and the installation process must be 'green' too.

Smart Metering will require customer visits to nearly every one of the 25 million homes in the country and utility companies need to be aware of the environmental issues this raises.

That's according to Trimble, the leading telematics expert, which already helps companies meet their green agenda by providing scheduling, tracking and diagnostic technologies for those companies running large fleets.

"This is the biggest and most complex change the energy industry has seen in half a century," says Andrew Yeoman, MD of Trimble MRM.

"As smart metering is all about improving the efficiency of the domestic energy industry, the installation must mirror this.

"The Smart Metering roll out is expected to start in earnest next year, so utility companies need to address how to minimise their CO2 emissions through reducing the number of vehicles, fuel and miles needed to complete the process."

With Smart Meters, householders will be able to see where their energy is used and also send real-time meter readings wirelessly back to the supplier.

"Smart Metering is pivotal in reaching our environmental goals," says Yeoman. "The utility industry can mirror this agenda by ensuring it responds to customers' expectations and runs an efficient, green roll out too."

Trimble is currently working with partners to offer a holistic end-to-end programme that will include scheduling customer appointments right through to the recycling of the old meters.

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