Government reveals plans for new energy smart tech to cut bills and boost efficiency

Date:
Sat, 24 Jul 2021 18:49:14 +0000

Description:
The 'cutting-edge' tech is also supported by Ofgem and could lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs

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New plans have been unveiled by the UK Government and Ofgem this week to roll out innovative new smart tech that will handle our growing energy demands and improve the efficiency of the current system.

The Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan and Energy Digitalisation Strategy promises a more adaptable energy sector, which will be able to cope with the nations power requirements as fossil fuels get phased out. Whats more, it
will open the door to the increased generation of renewables from UK sources, a more consistent supply of green energy and easier means of storing and exporting our power.

With proposed network efficiency savings of up to 10 billion a year by 2050, alongside opportunities for consumers to trade back excess energy through the new systems, the Government and Ofgem have suggested we will benefit from reduced energy bills and a cleaner, greener grid. Switch to a green energy supplier: find the best deals in your area now Ready to meet the challenges
of decarbonisation

With the plan, the Government and Ofgem will drive forward with boosting existing energy smart technologies and will also look to create newer tech to improve the UKs ability to store renewables on a larger scale.

Some examples of the tech currently being developed around the country includes: Heat network projects in Gateshead and Milton Keynes that are supplying residents with affordable, low-carbon heat and electricity.


A trial in the south-east of England with electric vehicle owners combining the use of smart meters, a vehicle charger and electricity from renewable sources to save money on their bills and provide electricity to the grid.


New battery technologies that are helping the transition from fossil fuels
to green sources by delivering low-cost, low-carbon energy on demand in a reliable, safe and economic way.


A community system where domestic solar energy is being combined with
battery technology and data to forecast energy generation and demand in the wider electricity system. This allows customers to trade excess energy to the grid so far giving average savings of 70% on bills.

On top of this, the plan will also consider how the UKs current electricity interconnectors with other nations can be streamlined to balance the system
if needed. Its believed that all of these aspects will be whats needed to
meet the challenges of decarbonisation and make the process more affordable
in the long run.

Speaking about the situation, Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem, said:

"This plan is essential to hitting the UKs net zero climate goal while
keeping energy bills affordable for everyone. It requires a revolution in how and when we use electricity and will allow millions of electric cars, smart appliances and other new green technologies to digitally connect to the
energy system.

"As energy regulator, Ofgem will work with government and industry, to help consumers make the changes needed and ensure the transition to net zero is affordable, fair and inclusive for all." Over 20,000 new jobs and a lucrative export market

The benefits will also extend into the employment market, with promises of up to 10,000 jobs for system installers, electricians, data scientists and engineers with a further 14,000 jobs created by the export potential of these new technologies. The export markets themselves are also expected to be
strong and could be worth as much as 2.7 billion a year to the UK economy by the middle of the century.

Energy and Climate Change Minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, offered her
thoughts on the plans:

"We need to ensure our energy system can cope with the demands of the future. Smart technologies will help us to tackle climate change while making sure that the lights stay on and bills stay low.

"The possibilities opened by a smart and flexible system are clear to see. They will not only allow households to take control of their energy use and save money but will ensure power is available when and where its needed while creating jobs and investment opportunities long into the future." How to make savings on your energy bills now

With the promise of all the above benefits, but in particular the savings on our future energy bills and the potential for a bigger choice of green energy tariffs the plans certainly do seem like a positive step forward for us.

However, you dont necessarily have to wait to benefit from more affordable energy because you can run an online energy comparison today to find a
cheaper and greener deal.

This can be done quickly with only a few basic details about your home and your energy use. Then, youll be shown all the best energy deals near you that come with renewables and a breakdown of how much you can save with each.

Better still, green tariffs are becoming more widely available and some of
the best energy suppliers on the market right now include the likes of Bulb and Octopus who are championed for their options on green tariffs and their excellent customer service.

Find the best energy deal for your home

TechRadar has partnered with MoneySupermarket to help you find the best
energy deals in your area. Our energy comparison tool takes less than five minutes to use, and could save you hundreds on your energy bills. Save money now



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/government-reveals-plans-for-new-energy-smart-t ech-to-cut-bills-and-boost-efficiency/


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