Smart meter data could help identify health issues among vulnerable
Energy usage patterns from smart meters could – with consent – make it easier for family members who live apart to look after their relatives
IN Wales, 44% of people have a smart meter, but a new report highlights that when the majority of the country have one installed, it could potentially transform Britain’s health and social care.
2020health, an independent social enterprise think tank, has delved into how energy usage patterns from smart meter data could, with consumer consent and as part of a wider system, be used as a nonintrusive way of understanding the daily habits of people living with illnesses.
The use of energy data in this way could be transformational, as it could potentially make it easier for many older people to live independently in their own homes for longer.
Currently, 850,000 people already live with dementia in Britain and £26bn a year is spent on supporting sufferers. The data from smart meters could play an important role in reducing this spend and helping people to receive care when they need it.
Smart meters will enable a more resilient energy system, help build a cleaner Britain and give consumers control over their energy use, but 2020health’s research, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, suggests the benefits could extend even further.
The report suggests that energy usage patterns from smart meter data could be used as a non-intrusive way to understand the daily habits of people with illnesses such as dementia, Parkinson’s and depression. Irregularities in these patterns could alert relatives or healthcare workers that the person
may need additional support.
For example, later use of the kettle in the morning could indicate insomnia, pain or memory problems. Increased energy use in late evenings or at night could include ‘sundowning’ syndrome, which is often a sign of progression from early stages of Alzheimer’s to more serious deterioration. Complete inactivity of appliances such as the TV or oven could indicate a fall, stroke or acute illness.
If unusual behaviour was detected, an alert would be automatically raised and sent to a family member, care worker, telehealth hub or doctor to respond. Not only could this provide professionals with important insights into the health of the patient, but it could also allow family or
friends to act as ‘first responders’ to possible low risk health concerns. This could alleviate pressure on the social and healthcare systems and ease the burden on carers.
The use of smart energy technology as an informal care offering is already happening in Japan, and it could become a reality in Britain in the near future.
It is not only neurodegenerative diseases which remote health and care technology could detect. There is evidence that smart meters will present a unique opportunity to gain insights into cases of fuel poverty, neglect and unhealthy living conditions. If a building’s thermal efficiency rating is known, then a combination of daily average electricity and gas readings, together with external air temperature and solar irradiance data, may be enough to detect the under-heating of homes.
The report from 2020health has also come at a time where people are aware that more than ever before, the NHS is under incredible pressure.
Consumer research*, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, has revealed that 81% of Britons said they would be more comfortable with vulnerable loved ones living independently if there was a way to be alerted to unusual behaviour. Furthermore, 72% think technology has the potential to change the way we live and care for ourselves.
*Consumer research was conducted with 4,000 respondents in November 2020 by One Poll.