Smart energy metering

What is smart energy metering?

IMechE was one of the pioneers of smarter metering – monitoring energy consumption in real time – and visitors to our London headquarters will have seen the energy dashboard which shows, amongst other things, the Institution's electricity, gas and water consumption and the levels of CO2 output.

Government, housebuilders and energy companies are also looking at smart metering with interest, believing that if we can see the power we’re using on an hour to hour or day to day basis, we will be more aware of how we use energy and more inclined to consume less of it.

More information about smart energy metering

The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform provides information about government measures to achieve carbon savings through smart metering.

The UK Energy Retail Association explains how smart metering will work for consumers.

Legislating efficiency

The key to making homes more efficient is legislation. Energy Performance Certificates – part of the recently introduced home sellers information packs – gauge how efficient a home is on a scale of A – G, much like whitegoods such as washing machines or fridges. The certificate also helps owners (or buyers) understand the environmental impact of their home and its potential for improvement. The typical UK home is rated a lowly D – E.