What is the Digital Energy Transition and why is it important?

7. The Benefits of Energy Digitalisation

Making use of digital technologies to better understand our energy consumption at home or work can provide real-time insights as to what appliances are consuming energy and when. This understanding of how we use energy can provide a range of benefits.  

Support informed choices 

Understanding how and when we use energy, can help us make more informed decisions about our energy use. We could choose to reduce our energy consumption or use certain appliances at times when there is less demand. For example, it may be more cost-saving to run a washing machine overnight when there is an off-peak energy tariff available.  

Reduce costs and increase savings 

Informed decisions about energy use can reduce costs and increase savings. Using our household appliances less can also be beneficial as there is less wear-and-tear to appliances. This can result in appliances lasting longer and reducing the need for repairs as unnecessary or extensive use is limited.  

Reduce carbon emissions 

Reducing our energy consumption reduces our carbon emissions. We could also reduce our impact on the environment by using or buying electricity produced by clean technologies such as solar or wind. Reducing our energy use enables the energy grid to respond more effectively to changes in our needs, therefore enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Similarly, adjusting our energy needs during peak demand periods can reduce the need for relying on fossil fuels for back-up generation of electricity.