The smart meter rollout: progress and challenges ahead

The Sussex Energy Group is directed by ProfessorBenjamin K. SovacoolandDr Karoline Rogge. The Sussex Energy Group aims to understand and foster transitions towards sustainable, low carbon energy systems. Drawing from SPRU’s tradition, we undertake academically rigorous, interdisciplinary and world-leading research that is relevant to contemporary policy challenges. We also educate the next generation of energy policy professionals through our MSc and PhD programmes.

Sussex Energy Group, University of Sussex

This event brings together a panel of experts and key stakeholders involved in the smart meter rollout to examine the progress that has been made to date, and to explore how the smart meter rollout might be accelerated. We will hear a variety of perspectives and offer a stimulating discussion about the future of smart meters in the United Kingdom.
AGENDA
10:00 - 10:30     Arrival & Refreshments
10:30 - 10:40      Introduction by Professor Benjamin Sovacool, Director, Sussex Energy Group
10:40 - 10:50      Presentation by Fflur Lawton, Head of Policy and Communications Wales, Smart   Energy GB
10:50 - 11:00      Presentation by Chris Harris, Head of Regulation, Npower
11:00 - 11:10      Presentation by David Weatherall, Head of Policy, Energy Saving Trust
11:10 – 11:20     Presentation by Colin Griffiths, Policy Manager – Smart Metering & Smart Homes,
                          Citizens Advice
11:20 - 12:00     Audience Q&A and discussion
12:00 - 13:00     Lunch
13:00                 End of event
 
THE BACKGROUND
Smart meters can help users better manage their energy consumption by giving them real time information on their energy use. Not only can they help customers save money, they can also reduce energy demand, and thus carbon emissions Gas and electricity suppliers in England, Wales and Scotland are required to take all reasonable steps to roll out smart meters to all domestic and small business customers by the end of 2020.
However, the rollout has been hit by delays and rising costs and there are growing worries that the rollout will not meet the deadline of 2020.
The <A HREF="http://www.cied.ac.uk/" TARGET="_blank" DATA-MSYS-CLICKTRACK="0" REL="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand (CIED)</A> at the University of Sussex carried out a three year research project on the rollout of smart meters in Great Britain. The project investigated how their diffusion can be accelerated, what the visions and expectations of different actors have been around the rollout, and how these have been embedded in policy.
SPEAKERS
Fflur Lawton, Head of Policy and Communications, Wales, Smart Energy GB
Fflur leads our policy and communications work in Wales. She has 15 years of experience working in communications and was previously Head of Communications at the Big Lottery Fund. Fflur is an experienced public speaker and is fluent in Welsh.
Chris Harris, Head of Regulation, Npower
Chris is head of Regulation at Npower and executive fellow at London business school. He has written four textbooks on economics in electricity.  His principal interest is how smart meters and grids will enable the low carbon transition, with electrification of heat and transport, with no one left behind
David Weatherall, Head of Policy, Energy Saving Trust/Director at Future Climate
David Weatherall has worked for 15 years on policy in domestic energy efficiency, working closely with nearly all major government, NGO and commercial sector stakeholders in this area of policy. Starting his career working in the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, David has produced several high profile pieces of research on issues around fuel poverty, carbon reduction and housing. He is particularly proud of work to make the case for increased government action on cold homes in the private rented sector.
Colin Griffiths, Policy Manager – Smart Metering and Smart Homes, Citizens Advice
Colin Griffiths is the policy manager for smart metering and smart homes at Citizens Advice, the statutory consumer watchdog for energy consumers. He has worked on the smart meter rollout for several years with a particular focus on the consumer experience and attitudes. He has previously worked on the delivery of online and digital services for consumers and community and public service provision.
Benjamin Sovacool, Director, Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand/Sussex Energy Group, Professor of Energy Policy, SPRU, University of Sussex
Professor Sovacool works as a researcher and consultant on issues pertaining to energy policy, energy security, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation. More specifically, his research focuses on renewable energy and energy efficiency, the politics of large-scale energy infrastructure, designing public policy to improve energy security and access to electricity, and building adaptive capacity to the consequences of climate change. Benjamin is also Co-PI of the INNOPATHS (Innovation Pathways, Strategies and Policies for the Low-Carbon Transition in Europe) research project.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

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The smart meter rollout: progress and challenges ahead

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The smart meter rollout: progress and challenges ahead

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