The smart meters initiative is something introduced by the UK government to put a technologically advanced monitoring system into all homes that will allow consumers to measure their energy consumption. Who is set to reap the greatest benefit from this scheme? Is it the consumer, the government, the utility providers or the planet?
In actual fact, everyone benefits from smart meters, no matter which side of the scheme you are on. Smart meters work in much the same way as a normal gas or electricity meter; the difference being that smart meters are digital, whereas current utility meters are simple analogue devices. By upgrading normal meters to smart meters, the whole measuring of utilities becomes a completely digital process which makes it much easier to monitor and keep accurate records.
The consumer probably has the most to gain from smart meters. Unlike conventional gauges, smart meters come with a digital display which can be put in an easy-to-access spot in the house, making it far more convenient than in the cupboard under the stairs. Users will be able to monitor their energy consumption in real time, with read-outs of how much energy they are consuming and how much it is costing them.
Armed with this information, consumers can make alterations to their daily habits in order to reduce their fuel consumption. This not only benefits the home owner with lower utility bills but also helps the planet by using fewer gas and electricity resources.
You might think that utility suppliers would hate smart meters if they encourage consumers to spend less but because the meters are totally digital, suppliers can monitor exactly how much energy is being consumed without having to send brigades of gas men out to homes in order to check meters manually. This saves utility companies money on their wages and overheads.
Meanwhile, reducing the energy consumption benefits the government as it helps them towards reducing CO2 emission levels in the atmosphere, which ultimately benefits the planet too. So
smart meters are for everyone and mutually beneficial to all parties involved.
