Report shows feedback link vital for positive
contribution to energy efficiency
The Kyoto Protocol will expire in 2012; a grass roots
approach to climate change is required
Zug, Switzerland, December 7 – At the Copenhagen Climate Conference in Denmark this
week the international community will try to come to consensus on a protocol to increase
energy efficiency and prevent climate change. A new report from Landis+Gyr demonstrates
that Smart Metering, combined with end user engagement, is a key way to help improve
energy efficiency and therefore decrease CO2 emissions.
The report, entitled, „Energy Efficiency created from Informed End-Users: A summary of the empirical
evidence‟ gives fact-based results which address many questions that have emerged in the energy
management field. The report is based on findings from a variety of global studies, pilots and mass
rollouts in the area of information provided to the energy end-user.
While the benefits of smart metering are largely understood, the report delves deeper into the role
technology may play in supporting smart metering further, and in particular the importance of customer
engagement. It makes a series of key recommendations and highlights that research has found In-Home
Displays to be preferred over detailed consumption data provided on a website. Smart metering systems
combined with direct feedback have shown energy savings of between 5 and 15 percent, and sometimes
even as high as 20 percent.
The report looks at a variety of topics, including real-time delivery of feedback with a simple local display,
innovative tariffs and utility intervention, as well as a set of recommendations. Overall, a review of the
studies provides conclusive evidence that clear customer feedback is a required element for end-users to
learn how to control their energy use most effectively over a long period of time. Immediate, direct
feedback in combination with other measures, such as frequent accurate billing and variable tariff
structures, provides even greater results and is the basis for a sustainable reduction in energy demand.
“This report gives empirical evidence that a grass roots approach to energy efficiency through the use of
smart metering is essential. Traditionally, the push has been top-down, coming from national governing
and regulatory bodies, but with general awareness about energy efficiency and climate change growing,
the end-consumer wants to participate. Energy management tools such as the Landis+Gyr ecoMeter
enable this participation. Our study clearly demonstrates the benefit of active participation from the enduser and the resultant positive impact on energy efficiency and climate change”, says Andreas Umbach,
President and COO of Landis+Gyr.
The deployment of smart metering and the consequent empowerment of consumers to actively
participate in the energy market is the first step towards the creation of a „Smart Grid‟, an electricity
network that can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it – generators, consumers
and those that do both – in order to efficiently deliver sustainable, economic and secure electricity
supplies.
Movements towards the development of the smart grid are becoming stronger: the EU recently
announced the 3rd Energy Package including a Directive requiring at least 80 percent of homes to have a
smart meter by 2020 and 100 percent by 2022. In the US, the Obama Administration recently approved
USD 3.4 billion in smart grid funding, most of which is going to accelerate the roll-out of smart metering
systems across the country. Similar government and regulatory moves in Canada, Australia, and China
are increasingly making this a global opportunity.
About Landis+Gyr
Landis+Gyr is the leading provider of integrated energy management solutions tailored to energy
company needs. With a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation, Landis+Gyr is unique
in its ability to deliver true end-to-end advanced metering solutions. Today, the Company offers the
broadest portfolio of products and services in the electricity metering industry, and is paving the way for
the next generation of smart grid. With annualized sales of more than US$1.25 billion, Landis+Gyr
operates in 30 countries across five continents, and employs over 5,000 people with the sole mission of
helping the world manage energy better.
For more information please contact:
Michael Probst, Landis+Gyr EMEA, +41 41 935 6607, michael.probst@landisgyr.com