Special Interest Group
Information technology will greatly contribute to a sustainable development as it allows for optimizing processes and – often overlooked – helps to change consumer behavior. Especially smart meters and energy-aware devices can positively influence energy consumption. The Special Interest Group (SIG) allows acting as an “Early Mover” by analyzing the potential of energy efficiency services. With our participants, we identify the aspects relevant for different industries, evaluate the business opportunities, and assess challenges as well as potential solutions.
Working group
Markus Weiss, Tobias Graml, Claire-Michelle Loock, Thorsten Staake
Abstract
With the emerging smart metering infrastructure, valuable consumption data becomes available. However, it is yet unclear how to effectively use the data beyond billing and network management. Open issues relate to the choice of suitable interfaces and data representation approaches to induce sustainable behavioral change, the integration of novel energy-aware devices in the emerging infrastructure, and the development of privacy protection methods. The SIG addresses these challenges by
- exploring the energy-saving potential of smart metering infrastructures,
- outlining the opportunities for novel services and products,
- investigating the possible integration of energy-aware devices, and privacy concerns,
- analyzing cost, benefits, and risks for the participating companies,
- providing guidelines on the communication and rollout strategy of Smart Metering applications, and
- providing a platform for an exchange of ideas and know-how.
Description
Climate protection and the conservation of natural resources have become major goals of our society. Governments throughout Europe have set ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and to achieve this objective will require great efforts by all stakeholders. In fact, many drivers exist beyond compliance with regulations and social responsibility: Rising energy costs, shareholder interests, and especially the growing user demand for environmentally friendly goods are strong arguments to promote the development of energy efficient products and services.
Information technology will greatly contribute to a sustainable development as it allows for optimizing processes and – often overlooked – helps to change consumer behavior. Especially smart meters and energy-aware devices can positively influence energy consumption. Benefits include:
Increased energy awareness. Smart meters can provide users with direct feedback on costs and environmental effects of their consumption. Studies show that this leads to a reduction in electricity consumption of 5% to 15% and fosters the appreciation of electricity as a valuable good.
New products. With near real-time data on energy consumption, devices such as mobile phones or set-top boxes can serve as ambient interfaces. Moreover, white goods and consumer electronics can develop into energy-aware devices and as such become part of an energy management system.
Novel services. Smart meters can serve as a gateway for innovative green services. Examples range from remote energy management over the provision of automated energy audits to efficiency competitions of communities.
Process optimization. Faster meter reading and billing processes, easier fault clearance, and improved consumption forecasts allow utilities or third-party service providers to save costs and improve the customer relationship.
Enhanced incentive schemes. High resolution data on energy consumption enables novel energy pricing and bonus schemes. If designed properly, these incentive systems can unfold a positive effect on peak load and absolute consumption – and help to integrate the user in the overall strategy.
The Special Interest Group (SIG) allows acting as an “Early Mover” by analyzing the potential of energy efficiency services. Participants will identify the aspects relevant for their company, evaluate the business opportunities, and assess challenges and potential solutions.
Links
Contact
If you are interested in the SIG, please contact Markus Weiss (mw@ethz.ch)