Developments in advanced metering infrastructure now take behind-the-meter analytics well beyond providing customers with information on their energy use, which presents both an opportunity and a risk for traditional utilities.
Increased access to customer energy-use data through smart meter deployment is allowing utilities to improve energy-efficiency programs and expand deployment of demand response. By leveraging intelligent software, utilities can also gain better visibility into their customers’ responses to price signals, leading to optimized rate structures.
The U.S. Department of Energy defines advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) as “an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers.” GTM Research forecasts cumulative global spending on power utility data analytics to top $20 billion between 2013 and 2020, growing to $3.8 billion by the end of the decade.
But today, data analytics also provide services outside of the energy sector. Increasingly, market players that have traditionally offered telecom, home security or even solar services are starting to offer multi-service packages that include energy management. This move undeniably puts pressure on utilities.
“The advent of higher-tech consumer electronics undoubtedly promotes increased capabilities and connectivity, though it’s difficult to determine whether consumers are purchasing these solutions strictly for energy savings or primarily for convenience,” said Omar Saadeh, senior grid analyst with GTM Research.
Greentech Media in partnership with Solar One and NYC ACRE will hold a discussion in New York tomorrow, November 5, at 7 p.m. on the next generation of behind-the-meter analytics and the services they provide consumers.
The panel, part of the event series Clean Energy Connections, will include Christopher Cavanagh, principal program manager at National Grid; Nick Payton, associate director of marketing and strategy for emerging products at Opower; and Jun Shimada, founder and CEO of ThinkEco.
Participants will discuss the future of the connected home and the consolidation of individual services (telecom, security, automation, energy management, etc.) into bundled offerings. They will also address the increased competition utilities face as larger aggregation players (AT&T, ADT, Vivint, etc.) enter the home energy management market.
The event will take place at The Greene Space at WNYC. General admission is $25 and student admission is $10. Can’t make it in person? Greentech Media will be live-streaming the event on YouTube.
Tweet questions @CleanECNYC with hashtag #CleanNRGx. You can follow the ongoing online discussion at tagboard.com/CleanNRGx.