Presentation to BRE event on 30 Nov 2010, covering technical challenges arising from the first phase of work in the British smart meter design programme being lead by Ofgem.

1. Technical Challenges of the Smart Meter Programme Simon Harrison Project Architect – SRSM Project. SMDG SG1 & SG3 member. STEG member. Principal Consultant – Engage Consulting BRE Workshop 30.11.10

2. Delivering Smart Metering for GB is a MASSIVE technical challenge

3. This is every home (and small business) in the country over 30 million premises Smart Metering Goes HERE

4. A rapid roll out to replace every* meter in the country * Except the biggest ones

5. Over 30 million premises Over 50 million meters Over 100 million smart metering components

6. There has to be a reliable, economic & secure connection to every home Smart metering system components need to communicate effectively within every home

7. Fit & ‘Forget’or even ‘Customer Proof’ System has to work seamlessly – can’t reboot a meter if it stops working Smart meters shouldn’t need visits

8. Meters are constant through Changes of Customer Changes of Supplier Changes of Kitchen Changes of technology Ideally no visits & no changes to physical equipment for over 15years

9. So, meters need to be interoperable. Technically, Operationally and Commercially. But not one-size fits all

11. Some current metering is very complicated - particularly electricity We’re not planning on changing wires or heating systems just for smart

12. Some metering is in awkward places – customers build round them – they’re not pretty things in warm or light places. Just about OK for a meter reader to visit twice a year Not ideal to encourage customers to take an interest

13. Smart meters come with modems to connect to the outside world – maybe an extra bland plastic box Some of these might be very small. Others may need a bit more room Space is a luxury – as is the time to do the work

14. Smart Meters, and their little radios, have to work in every kind of home: Medieval walls Foil insulation Interference Other things radios love Radios are not magic – sometimes a wire or repeater will be needed Customer Using Energy Meters NOT QUITE MAGIC !

15. Smart metering has to live in the real world Gas meters need batteries – modern ones that last for years and years Not economic to visit to change batteries for every meter

16. Can’t let customers decide what batteries need to be used for !

17. Getting a signal to every meter point will not be straightforward Programme is defining services and service level agreements for a new national monopolyto provide the data connection to every metering point that will have a smart meter

18. Future is not yet written, but… we think we know that Environmental concerns will not go away Microgeneration will become more widespread Smart Grids will rise in prominence Smart metering will need to support as yet unknown future applications Interoperability is the key

19. What about the Customers? Without their effective engagement – this fails

20. Customers are concerned that: Meters are safe Data is private This all works and doesn’t break anything else This doesn’t cost too much money

21. Nobody knows anything The market will find the right way to inform customers about energy Minimum definition to allow for maximum innovation

22. WOW, this is sounding IMPOSSIBLE (& expensive) However, confidence is HIGH

23. The British Roll Out of Smart Metering might well be the largest, into the most complex market, but -technically – these are just communicating meters Over 40 Million Over 60 Million Installed already

24. Don’t want to steal Howard’s thunder..but By July the programme will have defined public interoperable specifications for smart metering system components 1st Use Case Working Group this week – Retailers, Networks, Supply Chain All work is intended to be as transparent as possible – check the Ofgem E-Serve website

25. Programme is working on defining & procuring the central Data Communications Company to provide the connection to the home And roll out plans, customer education, security policies…

26. What about you guys?

27. I’m here to find some help – get your business cards ready!

29. flickr.com/spodzone - flickr.com/splorp

30. flickr.com/daveknapik - flickr.com/rajputpiccision

31. flickr.com/frozenminds - flickr.com/derailedbythedtrain

32. flickr.com/davefishernc - flickr.com/velvettangerine

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34. flickr.com/bufcorephil - flickr.com/jontintinjordan

35. flickr.com/nilexuk - flickr.com/techiekev

36. flickr.com/stefan - flickr.com/mart!n

37. flickr.com/complexify -flickr.com/yewenyi

38. flickr.com/f1rstborn