With Government commitments to ensuring that every home and small business in the UK is offered a smart meter by the end of 2020, one North East energy consultancy is encouraging the region’s businesses to think smart when it comes to energy usage.
The Green Energy Advice Bureau, based in South Shields is working closely with businesses across the region and beyond, helping them to evaluate and understand their energy usage and expenditure with the use of emerging smart technologies.
Paul Cobb, Managing Director at The Green Energy Advice Bureau, said: “We would encourage all businesses to consider installing smart meters and other high tech energy solutions within their business. These devices are the next generation of gas and electricity meters and offer a range of useful functions which bring an end to estimated meter readings – giving businesses more accurate bills.”
“We have found that, while many businesses are keen to use smart technology, many struggle to understand the technologies available and are wary about costs involved. We have been working with a number of organisations to find the most appropriate smart technology for their needs including smart meters, automatic shutdown sockets, air source heat pumps and solar panels.”
Research by The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy found that, in the second quarter of 2017, 13,800 smart and advanced meters were installed in smaller non-domestic sites. This is the same volume of installations as last quarter.
Smart technology such as smart meters, automatic shutdown sockets, battery storage and demand-side response – where by businesses shift their energy usage to times when demand on the grid is low can help businesses to make significant savings.
Mr Cobb added: “Research from The Carbon Trust shows that business electricity costs have doubled over the last decade so it is vital that businesses consider using smart technologies. Having things like automatic shutdown, energy storage and real-time access to information regarding the amount of energy being used gives businesses the power to keep a tighter rein on the amount they use – reducing bills and carbon emissions.”
The consultancy offers clients a free dashboard system for customers, making energy management cheaper and easier for its clients. Utility Locker works with smart meters and submetering systems and can be implemented quickly – removing the need to replace existing equipment – and gives businesses a clearer indication of their energy costs.
Established in 2015, The Green Energy Advice Bureau provides energy and water procurement, sustainability and energy management, and guidance on compliance legislation.
For more information about The Green Energy Advice Bureau visit www.greenpoweradvice.co.uk.