Presentation by Energy UK Best practice for a successful smart technology roll-out Lessons learnt and recommendations from first movers GB experience with smart meters
Introduction to Energy UK and the smart programme Why we are doing this benefits to customers How we re doing so far Some of the challenges faced by the programme and those responsible for delivery Lessons learnt and recommendations
About Energy UK Energy UK is the trade association for the GB energy industry with a membership of over 100 suppliers, generators, and stakeholders with a business interest in the production and supply of electricity and gas for domestic and business consumers. Our membership encompasses the truly diverse nature of the UK s energy industry from established FTSE 100 companies right through to new, growing suppliers and generators, which now make up over half of our membership.
Background to the GB Smart programme 53 million electricity and gas smart meters to be installed in more than 30 million premises (households and businesses) across Wales, Scotland and England. One of the biggest national infrastructure project in our lifetimes - will enable a more energy efficient system for Great Britain. Total Net Present Value for the rollout of smart meters in GB is estimated to be 5.7 billion in this 11billion programme
Background to the GB Smart programme The UK programme is unique more than 100 different suppliers, metering and device manufacturers, and regulated regional monopoly networks. Supplier-led rollout started in 2012 To be completed by end 2020 Consumer-focused (rather than system-focused) programme In-home Displays offered to domestic consumers for free Mandated provision of energy efficiency advice
Benefits of Smart Better informed consumers Smart Billing Principles Enabling faster, switching Improved comms New products and services from suppliers New tools and actors Moving to true Pay as you go: Improved payment channel choice, flexible nondisconnection
Diagram of smart meter system within and outside the home Source: DECC, SMIP End-to-End Technical Architecture, Version 1.1, 14 Oct 15 7
Energy UK s more technical focused work - the key challenges Smart Metering Device Assurance (SMDA) Accessible IHD Project ZigBee 868MHz & DBCH s Smart prepay switching Technical Assurance Resolving complex DNO/Supplier issues
Engaging and protecting consumers in the roll out Smart Meter Installation Code of Practice - SMICoP National marketing campaign Smart Energy GB
Progress to date 12 million smart and advanced meters installed and working across the country in domestic and non-domestic premises. The Data and Communications Company went live across Britain in November 2016 Next phase of the rollout has begun new fully interoperable meter specification being rolled out 8 out of 10 people with smart meters would recommend them to others and have taken at least one step to reduce energy use Higher levels of customer satisfaction and fewer complaints
But there are some challenges facing the programme Challenging timelines due to delays in tech and infrastructure Technical eligibility Health and safety Customer engagement Reputation customers can lose smart functionality on a switch All of this against a changing retail market backdrop: Faster and more reliable switching Half hourly settlement Transition from DNOs to DSOs Retail tariff price cap Future supply market arrangements ending the supplier hub model
What is being done to address these challenges? Customer journey Smart Energy GB campaign re-focus on future benefits Monitoring and responding to complaint trends Best practice sharing Refreshing the installation code of practice Programme Governance New Strategic forum Safety Measuring Health & Safety related incidents during the roll-out Monitoring trends and acting on issues early
What lessons can be learned? Policy decision and regulatory obligations understand the risks associated with different models and impact of things like the existing metering estate, consumer attitudes Planning and technical decisions take enough time, pilots Improve collaborative approaches agree roles and responsibility, share knowledge and best practice Identify problems early and deal with them quickly - be responsive, maintain ambition but acknowledge limitations and respond Focus on shared objective to benefit customers Effective communication across all stakeholders evidence problems, use experience on the ground
Thank you