Asda to rollout new smart meter technology

Asda has become the latest supermarket chain to make use of more advanced energy management software with a new monitoring system being implemented at 660 stores nationwide.


A renewed five-year contract with energy management firm Elster EnergyICT will allow Asda’s store managers to make use of the new ‘EnactoTM 9.3’ software; which tracks the energy use of different equipment, supporting the group’s target to slash energy use by 20% by 2020.

“The solution will give us full view of our energy usage across our estate and enable us to continue to manage and reduce our energy consumption,” explianed Asda’s energy manager Louise Hall.

Since starting to work with Elster EnergyICT in 2005, Asda has reduced its energy consumption by 30%. This new platform opens up the potential to further reduce energy usage; by analysing data and alerting energy managers to specific areas that need attention. It also prevents unnecessary alarms in the future by learning from the actions previously taken. 

It is the latest agreement struck between a supermarket firm and Elster EnergyICT, after Tesco entered a similar deal in September. 

Thinking smart

Elster EnergyICT account manager Jon Peck said: “We are delighted that Asda has chosen to continue our partnership together. Asda recognises the significant energy savings our solutions provide and will continue to build on the foundations we have set for increasing its energy efficiency and achieving its 2020 targets.”

Earlier this year, rival supermarket chain The Co-operative Group highlighted the benefits of using smart meter technology. However, as the company’s retail estates energy manager Guy Lee-Potter explained, “Implementing smart metres doesn’t save energy – it’s what you actually do with the data you get that saves it”.

In June, Asda released its own Climate Adaptation Framework study, developed with PwC, which maps out the risks that climate change poses across Asda’s entire trading operations and looks at potential obstacles that lie ahead.

Asda’s vice president for corporate affairs Paul Kelly said: “The role of responsible business is to adapt to change, help others to do so, and work with suppliers and customers to make sure we cut carbon emissions and deliver a more stable climate future for our children.”

Lois Vallely

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