The UK has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. But to achieve our ambitious climate targets, we need to change our energy system radically. We need a smarter and more flexible system to supply more renewable, efficient and low-carbon energy to households, and help us all to manage our valuable natural resources more efficiently. It’s called a smart energy system — and the 14.9 million smart meters we are having installed in our homes are playing an integral role in making it a reality.
Why upgrade?
Our current energy system can’t accurately map the demand from homes and smaller businesses and, as a result, a lot of energy goes to waste between the point of generation and supply to the customer. On top of this, the system is not always able to meet demand in the most efficient or environmentally friendly way — i.e. we rely on burning fossil fuels in times of low renewable supply.
While the current system is coping, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need a more flexible and agile structure that wastes less and can make the most of renewable sources. And with more of us looking to switch to electric cars and heat pumps in coming years, the demand for clean electricity grows even bigger.
What is a smart system?
A smart energy system uses digital technology to monitor exactly how much energy the country is using and when — thus allowing network operators to understand exactly how much energy is needed, so demand can be met in the most efficient, cost-effective and sustainable way possible.
A key component of the system is smart meters — the digital energy meters which are being installed in homes and microbusinesses across Britain. They gather information on how much energy we as a country are using and when.
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