AI software uses smart meter data to identify vulnerable households

New artificial intelligence (AI) software has been launched which uses anonymised smart meter data to help energy suppliers and other organisations to target support at the most vulnerable households.

uZero has been developed by technology company UrbanTide with support from the Data Communications Company (DCC), Greater South East Net Zero Hub, University College London and the Connected Places Catapult.

The project is part of the UK Research Institute’s Modernising Energy Data Applications programme.

The software combines smart meter data from the DCC, which has been anonymised, with multiple cross-sector datasets to identify properties with low levels of energy efficiency and produce detailed fuel poverty risk maps.

This information can then be used by suppliers, local authorities and housing associations to target measures such as energy efficiency upgrades and government support grants.

Simon Tricker, co-founder of UrbanTide, said: “For the very first time, our software is able to give local authorities and energy companies the data they need to manage demand, targeting support to the people who need the most help.

“At UrbanTide, we believe that using data technology and AI for good will be essential to supporting the UK through the fuel poverty crisis, and uZero is testament to this.”

Matt James, head of strategic innovation at the DCC, said: “At the DCC we believe this project is a great example of how improving data access can help accelerate the nation’s efforts to reduce the impact of fuel poverty and ultimately reach net zero.

“Businesses such as UrbanTide are harnessing and utilising the power of anonymised  smart meter system data via the DCC network, in a secure, fair and equitable way and combining it with other data, for the purposes of public good.”