As we inch closer to the Scottish Government’s target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, you’ll be hearing more about a ‘smarter’ energy network.

So, what is it and where do smart meters fit in?

According to the National Grid, Britain’s reliance on cleaner energy sources will overtake fossil fuels this year. And Scotland is leading the way, with the Scottish government aiming for renewable sources to generate the equivalent of 100 per cent of Scotland’s gross annual electricity consumption by 2020.

To allow us to use more renewable energy we need to upgrade our current system to a smarter energy network.

This will ensure we make the most of the greener energy available and open the door to a more sustainable future.

With the uptake of smart meters in homes around Great Britain will come a new, smarter system, which is a more flexible and decarbonised. What’s more, this system is central to the country reducing its CO2 emissions, whilst being more reliable, sustainable and cost-effective.

The Herald:

The increased complexity of the system and the need to be able to flexibly match supply and demand means that digitalisation is an important part of the transition. Central to digitalisation is the accurate measurement of customer energy demands so the system can provide energy in the most efficient and costeffective way, and customers can accurately understand how they use energy. And that is where smart meters – available from your energy supplier at no extra cost - come in.

Simply put, smart meters will make Britain’s energy grid, and energy system, smarter. This is because the data that they are able to generate allows our energy network to understand how much energy is being used, when and where across Great Britain. The system will also be able to draw on more local and renewable sources of energy.

Our electricity needs are predicted to double by 2050, so we have to upgrade our outdated energy grid. Just by having a smart meter in your home, you’ll be helping the grid to better anticipate demand and reduce waste, readying it to meet the demands of the future.

For more information visit smartenergyGB.org

The Herald:

The Herald’s Climate for Change initiative supports efforts being made by the Scottish Government with key organisations and campaign partners. Throughout the year we will provide a forum in The Herald newspaper, online at herald.scotland.com and in Business HQ magazine, covering news and significant developments in this increasingly crucial area.

If you are interested in contributing editorially or interested in becoming a Climate for Change partner, please contact Stephen McTaggart on 0141 302 6137 or email stephen.mctaggart@heraldandtimes.co.uk