Elmhurst has recently submitted its response to a public consultation which has highlighted proposals to improve the smart meter data offer for non-domestic energy consumers.

The consultation (titled: Maximising Non-Domestic Smart Meter Consumer Benefits) acknowledges that smart meters are continuing to replace traditional gas and electric meters, as part of an important upgrade to the national energy infrastructure. However, there is evidence to suggest that the supply market needs to do more in order to deliver innovations at the pace needed to maximise the benefits of smart metering for all non-domestic consumers.

The Proposals

Some of the proposals outlined in the consultation document include:

To ensure a baseline level of ‘consistency’ in the non-domestic smart meter offer

This proposes that all non-domestic smart meter customers must have free access to basic information based on their energy consumption data. This should also be presented to them in a user-accessible format to allow insights into their energy consumption and usage.

To streamline the smart meter data access process for a non-domestic consumer’s nominated third party

Third party representatives acting with consumer consent must be entitled to a minimum baseline of free access to that consumer’s energy consumption data. This proposal aims to address barriers to third party data access which was previously identified through recent research.

Create a policy context that facilitates non-domestic smart metering innovation, including support for industry

The Government acknowledges that it has a role to play in supporting industry to drive cost-effective innovation that realises the benefits of smart metering for businesses and unlocks further market opportunities.

Elmhurst’s Response

You can read Elmhurst’s consultation response here.

Having reviewed the views of our members we have formulated a comprehensive response which includes the following key messages:

1. Data from smart meters needs to be provided to assessors to help building owners reduce their energy usage
2. By encouraging building owners to get smart meter data, it will improve awareness as well as reduce energy usage and building emissions
3. The more accurate and frequent the data provided, the more effective smart meters will be
4. By improving the data offered, it will ensure that DECs and ESOS reports are more accurate and that energy can be reviewed and managed more effectively

Elmhurst’s Non-Domestic Team Leader, Josh Wakeling comments: “We are very pleased with the proposals to improve the efficiency and quality of data relating to non-domestic buildings. It is a critical part of energy assessment and the first step in measuring a buildings energy use. This will help to improve availability of data to our members to allow for better measurement and decision making on energy improvement measures”

Link to consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/maximising-non-domestic-smart-meter-consumer-benefits-improving-the-data-offer-and-enabling-innovation?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=6f8e8ed3-84bd-459d-af04-9949aa1dc739&utm_content=daily

Link to Elmhurst’s Response: https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/uploads/Non-Domestic-Smart-Meter-Consultation.pdf