Smart Metering Note Issued
Friday, 12 June 2009
The deployment of energy smart metering throughout GB will fundamentally change the way that customers use and buy their electricity and gas. This must be accompanied by a sea change in the industry procedures and processes that are required to support these customers and to ensure an effective switching process as the bedrock of retail competition.
These statements are nothing new, and while there is debate over the pace of these changes, there is universal recognition by suppliers, network operators, regulators and Government departments that the installation of smart metering in 47 million domestic homes presents a mammoth challenge comparable to the introduction of domestic energy competition in the late 90s.
Gemserv have been at the heart of competitive energy markets for over ten years with its origins in the establishment and governance of the GB electricity switching process; a process that sees 4-5 million customer transfers every year. Combine this with our extensive experience in the competitive gas market, our metering expertise and our support of environmental schemes e.g. microgeneration certification scheme, positions Gemserv in an unique position to provide comprehensive impartial, market-level advice to the development of arrangements to support the smart metering programme.
In any of the delivery models under discussion, there is an acknowledgement that there will be a need for a central authority to provide core market support and effectively govern the new world of smart metering. Gemserv believe that the design of this central role, and the governance arrangements that underpin it, are critical to ensure a successful roll-out and ongoing operation of smart metering processes. In fact, effective governance has to be integral to the programme from the outset – try to progress without this in place will thwart timely, informed decision making and run the risk of marginalising some affected parties.
Accordingly Gemserv has been sharing governance thought papers with suppliers, network operators, service providers, Ofgem and DECC to assist in the development and agreement of the next steps on the road to smart metering. If you would like to find out more about our ideas, please contact our Gas & Metering Client Manager, Whitney Slavinskas on 0754 541 3513.
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