3. Energy Use and Smart Devices

8. Smart meters in Europe

To support the use of smart meters, as one smart appliance can also be connected and integrated with other smart devices, we can also connect multiple smart appliances to create what is known as a smart home.  Smart meters have an important role in the digital energy transition and potentially provide a range of benefits to both energy providers and consumers. To support the use of smart meters, increase efficiencies and enable the seamless integration of energy from clean technologies such as solar panels or wind turbines, we also need the appropriate infrastructure or a smart grid or distribution system in place.

This requires commitment, policy and funding at the national and regional levels.  As part of its commitment to the digital energy transition, the European Commission aimed to have 80% of electricity consumers using smart meters by 2020. European countries such as Sweden and Spain have already achieved 100% smart meter installation, although uptake varies widely across the bloc. 

You can find out more about progress to date, and the approach of different countries, in this Power Technology article EU smart meter optimism dampened by slow uptake.  As this article notes, aside from the appetite of individual countries to champion their installation and despite Europe-wide legislation to address concerns, challenges around data privacy, the potential of digital appliances to be hacked and digital appliance installation and longevity remain. 

You can find out more about the importance of infrastructure, and the work required across the bloc, in this article from The European Commission Smart grids and meters. You can also find out more about policies which are part of the European Green Deal and also support the move away from fossil fuels in this European Council article on Fit for 55.  

Further Reflection (5 minutes) 

Week Three of the course shared some ideas to save energy and money both with and without the use of digital technologies. Take a moment to reflect on what action you might like to take next. Did any of the examples or suggested actions particularly resonate with you? What do you plan to do today, next week and in the next six months on your energy journey? Are there any other energy saving ideas that you can think of? 

Write down your ideas. You might want to timeline, prioritise and plan potential actions you can take. If you are working through the course with others you may like to discuss your ideas, plans and potential actions together.