The ever-fluctuating cost of energy and increasing pressure to achieve sustainability goals are placing unprecedented demands on energy managers in the UK’s public and private sectors. Here, we explore the key recent and future trends in energy metering solutions, empowering energy managers to take control of their energy consumption, based on input from attendees at the Energy Management Summit…

Recent Trends:

• Smart Metering Rollout: The rollout of smart meters is enabling real-time energy data collection, providing valuable insights into usage patterns and potential areas for optimization. Energy managers can identify peak usage times and implement targeted energy-saving measures.
• Cloud-Based Data Management: Cloud-based platforms are simplifying data storage, analysis, and visualization. This allows energy managers to access data remotely, monitor trends, and generate reports easily.
• Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS): Energy metering solutions are increasingly integrating with BMS, allowing centralized control of lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This promotes energy efficiency and optimizes building performance.
• Focus on Non-Metered Energy Sources: Solutions are emerging to estimate and track energy consumption from non-metered sources like compressed air systems or kitchen equipment, providing a more holistic view of energy usage.

Future Trends:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML will play a vital role in future solutions. These technologies can analyze energy data, identify consumption anomalies, and predict future usage patterns, enabling proactive energy management.
• Internet of Things (IoT) Integration: The integration of IoT devices like smart sensors will provide real-time data on environmental factors like temperature and humidity. This allows for further optimization of HVAC systems and reduces energy waste.
• Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Management: As more businesses adopt renewable energy sources like solar panels, solutions will be needed to manage and integrate DERs with the main grid, ensuring a reliable and efficient energy supply.
• Focus on User Engagement: Future solutions will incorporate user-friendly interfaces and gamification elements to encourage occupant engagement in energy-saving behaviours within buildings.
• Cybersecurity for Metering Infrastructure: With increased reliance on connected devices, robust cybersecurity measures will be crucial to protect against data breaches and ensure the integrity of energy data.

Benefits for Businesses and Organisations:

Investing in advanced energy metering solutions offers several benefits:

• Reduced Energy Costs: Real-time data insights empower energy managers to identify and address inefficiencies, leading to significant cost savings.
• Improved Sustainability Performance: By optimizing energy use and potentially increasing reliance on renewables, organisations can reduce their environmental footprint and meet sustainability goals.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Integration with BMS allows for automated control and streamlined operation of building systems, maximizing efficiency.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Energy data empowers data-driven decision making regarding future energy procurement, infrastructure upgrades, or energy-saving initiatives.
• Improved Compliance with Regulations: Robust metering solutions can help organisations comply with energy reporting regulations and carbon emission reduction targets.

Energy metering solutions are evolving rapidly, offering UK energy managers powerful tools to navigate the complex energy landscape. By embracing these trends and leveraging the power of data and technology, energy managers can ensure efficient and sustainable energy use for their organisations. This translates to cost savings, a reduced environmental impact, and a more secure energy future.

Are you searching for Metering solutions for your organisation? The Energy Management Summit can help!

Photo by Natalya Letunova on Unsplash