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Scottish Invention Could be a Vital Weapon in Fight to Cut Carbon Emissions

By Colin Donald, Business Editor

A Scottish invention with the potential to revolutionize consumer energy conservation is set for further inroads into the mass market in 2009, according to energy and management consultant Accenture.

The "smart meter," created by Scots telecoms engineer Eric Beattie, was originally designed to interact with prepayment meters and allow customers to top-up their meter remotely. However, smart meters are now seen as a potentially revolutionary aid to carbon reduction, providing real-time energy consumption data to householders and businesses, thus enabling them to monitor closely how much energy they are currently using and at what cost.

Changing Consumer Behavior for Carbon Reduction

As the energy industry faces the challenge of reducing carbon emissions, the installation of smart meters in customers' homes is becoming increasingly important. Smart meters have the potential to change consumers' behavior and reduce energy consumption. They can also facilitate the deployment of local domestic generation devices such as wind turbines and solar cells.

Energy suppliers are currently piloting and implementing smart meters at an accelerating rate, as improving security of supply and reducing carbon emissions are top priorities in the industry.

Opportunities for Scotland

Adrian Clamp, head of Accenture's utilities, oil and gas, and chemicals division in Scotland, believes there are significant opportunities for smart meters in Scotland. Utility companies such as Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy, along with the Scottish government, can benefit from this technology. The ability to monitor their own consumption and promote the use of smart buildings by businesses can help the government achieve its carbon reduction targets.

Following the lead of Amsterdam, Scottish cities like Glasgow or Aberdeen can encourage the roll-out of smart meters alongside promoting smart buildings and changes in transport policy. This would require additional investment and PFI financing, sparking the need for a debate on how this could be achieved.

Roll-Out Progress and Future Plans

Italy has already installed around 24 million smart meters, while France and the Nordic countries continue to announce monthly roll-outs. In the UK, the government's progress on smart metering was boosted by the energy bill, allowing for the modification of distribution and supply licenses to require the installation of smart meters in different customer segments.

The trials underway are proving the effectiveness of the technology and examining consumer attitudes to ensure widespread adoption. Defining communication protocols is the industry's next step to pave the way for innovation in Britain.

The infrastructure for smart metering is planned for deployment in 2010, followed by a full-scale roll-out in 2011 with completion by 2020.

The Impact of Smart Meters on Hotels

Smart meters have the potential to revolutionize energy consumption in various sectors, including the hospitality industry. Hotels, which consume significant amounts of energy, can benefit greatly from the implementation of smart meters.

Improved Energy Monitoring and Efficiency

With smart meters, hotels can gain real-time insight into their energy usage, allowing them to identify areas of high consumption and take steps to reduce waste. By closely monitoring energy usage, hotels can implement energy-efficient practices, such as turning off unnecessary lights and appliances, adjusting heating and cooling systems, and optimizing energy distribution.

Cost Reduction

By analyzing real-time energy data, hotels can not only identify areas of inefficiency but also find opportunities for cost savings. Smart meters enable hotels to make informed decisions on energy use, ultimately leading to reduced energy bills.

Sustainability and Carbon Footprint Reduction

The hospitality industry, including hotels, plays a significant role in global carbon emissions. With smart meters, hotels can actively measure and manage their energy consumption, promoting sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. This aligns with the increasing demand for eco-friendly hotels and can enhance their reputation among environmentally-conscious guests.

Guest Engagement and Education

Smart meters can also engage hotel guests in energy conservation efforts. By providing guests with real-time energy usage information, hotels can raise awareness and encourage responsible energy consumption. This can be done through interactive displays in guest rooms or through mobile applications, allowing guests to track their own energy usage during their stay.

The Future of Smart Metering in Hotels

As smart meter technology continues to advance and becomes more widely adopted, hotels are likely to benefit even further. Integration with building management systems and other smart technologies can streamline energy management processes and further enhance efficiency. Furthermore, incentives and regulations promoting energy conservation are likely to drive the adoption of smart meters in the hospitality industry in the coming years.

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