B2B Green Business Goals with Wireless Energy Meters
The global average surface temperature has risen by an average of 0.14-degree Fahrenheit per decade since 1880. The UK and other countries across the world have already recorded their hottest day of the year, which sent experts worrying about the future of humankind. Britain, for example, experienced a record high of 90.7 degrees Fahrenheit on the 7th of September 2023. The rate at which the Earth’s surface is heating up has become a matter of deep concern and requires every industry to put their environmental efforts in first gear. Their sustainability goals should include immediately curbing their carbon footprints, whether within their operations or outside their office spaces.
However, given our current electricity arsenal and increasing dependency on technology, half-baked efforts will no longer suffice for the impending crisis. Nonetheless, wireless energy monitors are a promising solution for a sustainable future, although reaching the net zero target will require a complete replacement of conventional meters.
This is a massive commitment for governments and industries alike. Let’s understand the penetration rate for smart wireless energy meters in the UK and other countries.
Understanding the Penetration Rate of Wireless Energy Monitors
When it comes to adapting smart energy optimisation solutions, countries like the US and the UK are leading the world from the front. As per statistics, utility companies across Britain had more than 28 million advanced remote energy monitoring solutions in place by the end of 2022. The penetration rate reached 57%. Currently, Britain has approximately 31.8 million electricity domestic and small business metering points.
On the other hand, the US electric utilities recorded approximately 119 million advanced meters, with a penetration rate of 69% and 68% from commercial and industrial sectors, respectively.
Thirteen of the 27 European Union (EU) nations, like Sweden, Denmark, Finland, France, and Italy, have achieved a penetration rate of 80% for smart meters. Contrarily, countries like Germany, Bulgaria, and Greece, need more advanced metering solutions.
The statistics paint a worrying picture since immediate action requires conjoined efforts worldwide. However, on the bright side, a handful of adaptations of wireless energy meters are promising endeavours, a dawn of a new tomorrow comprising the collective long-term sustainability goals of the world.
Evaluating the Potential Environmental Benefits of Smart Metering Solutions
Wireless energy monitors for smart meters offer potential environmental benefits for users. Equipped with superior control and communication features, these devices allow users to ward off any plausible misuse of power through proper monitoring and optimisation.
Innovative metering devices, for example, Eastron Europe's SDM630MCT-LoRaWAN-MID series, comprise two critical functions:
- Peak load reduction
- Distributed generation
These functions are pivotal in reducing energy consumption, especially at critical times. The best part is that these devices are also easily integrated with various renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and windmills. With a smart energy infrastructure in place, utility providers can manage and evenly distribute renewable power from sources scattered across the grid.
The widespread adoption of these power meters can empower utility operators to become energy efficient through smart energy grids.
Compared to conventional energy grids, smart grids use a different stack of technologies, like wireless advanced meters, networks, and sensors, to increase the level of efficiency and intelligence at which the power is distributed. With the support from intelligent power grids, utility operators can efficiently balance the energy flow throughout the grid. The various sensors and smart meters together enable providers to determine power outages and demand surges in real-time and effectively adapt to ensure efficiency.
However, despite efforts towards a green future with a well-engineered smart grid, the outcome will only be as effective as expected with one critical participant, i.e., responsible consumers.
How do Remote Power Meters Help Reach B2B Sustainability Goals
Remote power meters play a significant role in helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals in several ways:
- Real-Time Data Accessibility: Wireless power meters capture real-time data on energy usage, enabling businesses to understand their energy consumption patterns and initiate proactive measures to reduce energy wastage.
- Identifying Energy Saving Opportunities: Detailed energy usage data helps businesses pinpoint opportunities for energy optimisation. Equipment malfunctions, inefficiencies, or energy-saving areas are easily detected, and measures are implemented accordingly.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: The accurate energy usage data allow businesses to allocate resources more efficiently. Also, redistributing energy usage across different hours or locations helps take advantage of off-peak times or balance loads effectively.
- Remote Control and Automation: Advanced power meters offer remote control and automation of energy-consuming devices. This supports better management of energy usage, such as turning devices off during non-peak hours or when they are not in use.
- Performance Tracking and Goal Setting: These meters facilitate tracking the performance of energy-saving initiatives. Businesses can set specific sustainability goals and track progress over time, making adjustments to meet these objectives.
- Compliance and Reporting: Most businesses today have specific regulatory requirements or sustainability commitments to fulfil. Remote power meters offer accurate reporting by sharing detailed and precise energy consumption data; also ensuring compliance with regulations and obligations.
- Cost Savings: Optimising energy usage through remote power meters leads to significant business cost savings. Companies can lower their overall energy bills by reducing unnecessary energy consumption and avoiding peak demand charges.
Primary Features of Smart Meters to Build a Sustainable Energy-Driven Future
As stated above, smart wireless electric meters provide environmental benefits through renewable energy integration, demand reduction, and conservation.
In order for the mentioned idea to become a reality, wireless energy monitors should have the following key components:
- Connectivity: In a wireless metering system, all primary and secondary components are interconnected on a network; hence, connectivity is most important, especially when an intelligent grid is in the equation. A drop in connection can prevent the utility operator from getting vital consumption data. This would eventually result in a consequent decline in efficiency. Peak energy efficiency is always needed, as guaranteed by remote metering devices from Eastron Europe. These energy meters remain connected to the network at all times, ensuring continuous access to real-time consumption data allowing for energy optimisation remedies when needed.
- Security: With wireless connectivity comes the inevitable danger of cyber threats. Sensitive energy consumption data shared remotely through the Internet is vulnerable to cybercriminals sniffing around and breaking into your network whenever loopholes are detected and left unattained for long. Tapping into the meters by cyber miscreants poses a real risk to all parties involved, be it the consumer or the provider. Therefore, robust cybersecurity alongside connectivity becomes a non-negotiable requirement for smart metering devices and advanced power grids.
Eastron Europe’s EasyLink remote monitoring solution, like SDM230-LoRaWAN-MID, is a fully protected and energy-efficient metering solution that prioritises customer information safety and adherence to local data regulations. This device allows users to implement more control over energy usage and identify inefficiencies in real-time while timely alerting for potential issues.
The Final Takeaway
Wireless energy meters empower businesses to make informed decisions regarding their energy consumption. The sustainable choices of B2B enterprises ultimately give rise to more cost and energy-efficient operations and pave the way for their efforts to attain a net zero carbon footprint. Remote power meters should be a significant part of their green energy goals crafted to safeguard the environment from further damage. Eastron Europe’s intelligent energy meters are promising solutions enabling B2B sectors to fulfil their stride towards a responsible and sustainable clean energy future.