Smart meters prove popular in the borough

Data from meters is helping firms to understand demand better

SMART meters are proving to be hugely popular in Hinckley and Bosworth, with the area one of the top regions in the country for taking up the technology.

The borough is number two in the country, with more than 27.1 per cent of residents using the energy-saving device in their home.

Second-generation meters, known as SMETS2, are the latest industry standard, designed so that a consumer can switch from one energy supplier to another without their meter losing smart functionality.

All SMETS2 meters in people’s homes are connected to the Smart DCC (Data Communications Company) network.

Smart meters help people monitor their energy usage and find easy ways to reduce their carbon impact.

The more smart meters connected to the national network, the richer the data on energy usage becomes, enabling a more flexible energy grid which makes better use of renewables like wind power, and energy storage projects.

This data is becoming increasingly important as more electric vehicles connect to the grid.

Bolsover, in Derbyshire, took the top spot for SMETS2 takeup, while Oadby and Wigston was in third place, with each of the top 10 areas having a concentration of more than 25 per cent for users.

Angus Flett, chief executive of Smart DCC, said: “Areas like Hinckley and Bosworth are making a big contribution the fight against climate change through their rapid take-up of smart meters. As our secure network grows, the data from these meters is enabling Britain to understand energy demand better, and shift away from fossil fuel power generation.

“Thirty smart meters are now being installed every minute of the day, and with people across the country looking to lower their carbon footprint we should see this number grow even faster.

“This work reaffirms the DCC’s purpose of making Britain more connected so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.”

The technology was recently connected with its four millionth user, in West Malling, Kent.