Trials of in-home display alternatives receive widespread support

Both supporters and critics of the in-home display (IHD) element of the smart meter rollout have welcomed the government’s move to allow trials of alternatives while ensuring the IHD remains an enshrined element in the rollout.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has called the move “the first step in the right direction”, while trade association BEAMA has called the move a “put up or shut up” consultation that should end “ridiculous” debate.

Energy suppliers are to be allowed to run trials of alternative methods of engaging consumers with real time data, such as smart phone apps, under proposals published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) yesterday.

The IoD has previously called for the IHD to be scrapped in favour of what it calls “cheaper” alternatives, such as smart phone apps delivered by specialist analytics companies. The IoD’s senior infrastructure advisor Dan Lewis told Utility Week: “It’s ridiculous that they got crowded out in the first place to be honest.”

“If this is their way of retreating from an over specified form of technology which frankly is now a bit out of date, then so be it”, he said, but added there is “more than enough” evidence to completely cancel the requirement now.

But BEAMA has welcomed the government’s reassertion that the IHD continues to be a “critical part of its commitment,” saying the move is supported by “strong evidence” and that for “accessibility, inclusiveness, effectiveness and economy the IHD has no peer.”

BEAMA said it welcomed the government’s move to support innovation in energy management products and services, but these should be in addition to, rather than instead of the IHD.

“Energy retailers need to stop seeing the IHD mandate as a problem, and see it as an opportunity. The IHD is the consumer-facing element of the smart rollout, and as such it will be the most diverse, innovative and flexible piece of the solution.”