'Smart meters' save electricity

Eskom's reserve capacity has declined in the past decade and electricity tariffs are on the increase, but energy conservation is still in its infancy in SA.

Jim Thomson, Deloitte's global leader for smart metering solutions, said last week that a smart electricity grid could help postpone the construction of new power stations.

A smart meter provides real-time energy consumption data to the distributor and the consumer.

In addition to a meter at the point of use, smart meters are linked to a computer at the power utility, which allows it to collect and analyse data and redirect power if needs be. It can relay commands to devices remotely and support “time of use” tariffs. It can also store billing information and warn of tampering.

Although the technology was not new, the cost had come down considerably and the business case had strengthened, Thomson said.

Google recently launched its PowerMeter, a free energy monitoring tool that allows consumers to view their energy consumption while online.

“The jury is still out on the Google play,” Thomson said, adding that it was not yet clear whether Google was intending to partner with utilities or compete with them. “For me, the biggest benefit is that it gets people talking,” he said.

The Department of Energy is working on an integrated resource plan for the next 20 years in the energy sector. This will include the building of a R6,5bn concentration solar plant, funds permitting.

Within the integrated resource plan, demand solutions have a role to play, said Deloitte director Shamal Sivasanker.

Smart metering pilots are being conducted in major metropolitan areas, he said, including Johannesburg, eThekwini and Cape Town.

Sivasanker said smart metering can also be used in water supply to consumers and is especially useful in detecting leaking pipes.

Source: Business Day