Sector hits back at hysteria over demand reduction

Tabloid attacks on domestic demand-reducing technology for household appliances were condemned by the industry this week.

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) said charges by journalists and politicians that the devices were “sinister” and “big brother technology” were a misrepresentation that could undermine public understanding of smart meters.

“The suggestion that technology aimed at saving consumers money is anything close to ‘sinister’ is unhelpful. Minor adjustments to demand lasting seconds could save customers billions,” said a spokesman for the ENA. He cited recent research that showed that demand reduction measures could save consumers £11 billion in curbing the need for new pylons and cables.

European regulators’ body Acer has backed an industry call for laws requiring all new thermostat-controlled domestic appliances such as freezers and cookers to be equipped to reduce their load when power supplies are stretched. The proposal is before the European Commission.

Green energy sceptic David Davis MP said there was “something Soviet” about the proposal by grid operators’ group the European Network Transmission System Operators – Electricity (ENTSO-E).

ENTSO-E secretary general Konstantin Staschus said the devices detected supply frequency changes and could switch off an appliance for short periods without affecting their operation.

“There is no big brother, no remote control, not even any telecommunication going on,” said Staschus.

This article first appeared in Utility Week’s print edition of 3rd May 2013.

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