Energy meters
The
U.K.
government is asking energy companies to install 'smart'
electricity and gas meters in all homes by 2020.
The benefits would include :
# helping consumers to control the amount of
energy they use;
# encouraging people to be aware of
their energy consumption; there is evidence that this could reduce
energy use by 20% a year;
# allowing energy companies to read customers'
meters remotely without the need to physically check meters in people's
homes;
# helping to encourage and manage domestic
energy generation from solar panels and wind turbines;
# eliminating the need for estimated
bills;
# frequent checks on levels of energy
consumption throughout the day, allowing generators to produce supplies
more economically;
# enabling users to compare the prices of
different energy suppliers.
The Department for Energy and Climate Change estimates that the meters
would save vast sums for both consumers and energy companies as well as
reduce energy consumption.
There are nevertheless some causes for concern. Experience with
millions of smart meters already in use worldwide shows that they could
be used for cyber attacks on a national grid. Data theft could also be
a problem.
There is also disagreement about who would pay the cost of installing
the meters.
Energy Saving Trust