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EDRP Learnings . A number of learnings already presented to DECC Oct 2008 by EDRP focusing on Customers – Installation and Technology. Customers C ustomers have to take action to reduce energy Must be engaged in Smart meter process – communication is key
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EDRP Learnings A number of learnings already presented to DECC Oct 2008 by EDRP focusing on Customers – Installation and Technology • Customers • Customers have to take action to reduce energy • Must be engaged in Smart meter process – communication is key • Understand money (£) - not energy (kWh) • Not all customers are the same – consumption patterns, green agenda, IHU reaction • Wary of ‘pressing button’ on meters • Installation • Up-skilled / multi-skilled workforce to install electricity and gas on same visit • Commissioning process could be slicker • Issues gaining access to premises • Physical attributes – insufficient space, additional comms device, exposed cabling, semi-concealed meter boxes, signal strength (in-home/WAN) • Location will present issues – high-rise flats, communal meter cupboards, basements, metal boxes, large houses Energy Demand Research
EDRP Learnings • Technology • Metering • Binding issues on install • One technology type not suitable for all situations • Display • Customer reaction variable • ‘Traffic light’ display had mixed reaction • Billing/tariff information may not be ‘real-time’ or true reflection of account • CoS/CoT process – questions surrounding asset ownership Energy Demand Research
EDRP Learnings • Of the meter installations attempted: • 97% Electricity Fitted • Eight out of ten installed and commissioned on average in 32 minutes • 3% shortfall due to GSM strength • 70% Gas Fitted • Majority installed and commissioned on average in 22 minutes • Shortfall of 30% in dual fuel fit due to technical issues: • Semi-concealed meter cabinet • Dimensions of the new gas meter different to existing meter • Insufficient radio signal Energy Demand Research
EDRP Learnings • Subsequent to October 2008 to date • Smart technology deployed has proven to be very robust and reliable. No significant technology issues encountered following initial installation • One instance of meter out of calibration • Returned to manufacturer and confirmed as unique occurrence • Unable to read/ write to FRAM – Failure of FRAM processor companion device identified • Signal strength variable in certain locations • Can lead to gaps in interval data • Data subsequently recovered on retry • There has been an occurrence of data corruption at the head-end system supporting our trial. The problem was not caused by anything to/from the meters. All data was reprocessed with full integrity regained. • Display usage reduces over time – more detail to follow final wave of customer feedback Energy Demand Research