A major rethink and modernisation of energy policy is required to prevent millions of consumers from missing out on the benefits of electric vehicles and other emerging energy technologies, a new report has warned.
Although problematic, the benefits of residential smart meters, coupled with connected appliances, are without question. But their application is triggering significant debate within the power sector surrounding data use and what protections consumers may need in the future.
National Grid now has access to the half hourly settlement data of almost all export sites connected to the distribution network, giving it visibility over the renewable generation that it has previously only be able to register as negative demand.
Following last month’s decision from Ofgem to allow Western Power Distribution (WPD) to access smart meter data from consumers’ homes, head of innovation and development at the Energy Networks Association Randolph Brazier explains what use of this data could mean for the future energy system.
The UK energy sector’s level of engagement with consumers lags significantly behind that of other industries.
The failure of players in the energy market to share data is costing the industry as much as £4 billion, legal practice Foot Anstey has said.
