Householders to get smart with ESB meter trial project

A SCHEME to monitor domestic electricity use was unveiled yesterday.

Up to 21,000 ESB customers will participate in a ‘smart meter’ trial project which will be rolled out countrywide in a bid to cut costs and save energy.

Described as the next generation of electricity meters, Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said the system was crucial to saving energy and money.

“When customers realise how much they can save and the carbon reductions that ensue I believe they will find these meters one of the smartest devices ever installed in their homes,” said Mr Ryan.

During the trial scheme, the boxes will be fitted free of charge to read usage in homes every half an hour, giving suppliers accurate billing information and time-of-use pricing.

The main aims are to ensure power plants are not wasting energy and to save consumers money. The minister said the plan provided Ireland with an opportunity to lead the world.

“Smart metering will enable customers to carefully manage their electricity consumption,” said ESB chief executive Padraig McManus.

Invitations will be sent out, at random, to 60,000 ESB consumers in the first phase of the national roll-out scheme. About one-third will be selected to participate.

The trial phase is expected to last over one year. Households which take part will get €50 off their bill.

A smart meter can measure not only how much electricity has been consumed, but when the consumption took place. An internal memory also allows trends and comparisons to be examined.

Furthermore, it will allow suppliers to charge for energy based on time of use (ToU) to reflect the changes in the costs of producing electricity. In turn, it allows the consumer to understand their usage pattern and to make changes to that pattern taking account of ToU tariffs.