Business leaders recognise ‘incredible opportunities’ of smart energy technology

Smart Energy GB, the voice of the UK’s smart meter rollout, surveyed 500 senior executives and found that 95% of Britain’s big business leaders now consider smart technology to be important for the UK’s economic growth and 68% are considering the technology’s role in their own business strategies.

Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Smart Energy GB, said: “Smart meters are transforming the way consumers are buying and using energy – and they’re the vital building blocks of a digital energy system.

“This research shows that business leaders across the country recognise the incredible opportunities that are being created by the smart meter rollout and the transformation it brings to our energy system.

“A flexible, digital energy system with smart meters at its heart is vital for Britain’s future economic success.”

Resilient system

The smart meter roll-out involves offering a smart meter to every household and small business in Great Britain by 2020 and the full national rollout began at the end of September. Smart meters measure the total energy used in the same way as a traditional meter, but they can also track when energy is used and how much it costs, highlighting opportunities for savings.

Smart Energy GB’s research reveals that more than eight in 10 think that the smart meter roll-out is important for the British economy, while 97% of those surveyed said that it was important to ensure a resilient UK energy system.

Almost 90% of the survey’s respondents said that they would like to see Government devise a plan for Britain to maximise the economic potential of smart meters, and similar technologies. Moreover, 94% of those who wanted a plan put together said this should be developed working alongside the business community.

Smart power revolution

The survey follows on from Smart Energy GB’s recent report which stated that the integration of smart technology will lead to UK cities embracing renewable energy sources as part of a transition to smart cities.

Once smart meters are combined with other initiatives such as energy storage, demand side response, and energy efficiency projects, then British cities could help drive a “smart power revolution” and help the UK meet its 2050 carbon targets.

George Ogleby