Assembly Member Eluned Morgan is encouraging businesses in Mid and West Wales to take advantage of smart technologies to help gain greater control of their energy use.
The AM for Mid and West Wales is making the fresh appeal to businesses after attending an Energy Innovation Showcase, hosted by British Gas, part of Centrica, at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
At the event, Eluned Morgan welcomed news that British Gas has already installed around 4,136 smart meters in businesses in Mid and West Wales. In total, the business has installed more than 24,980 smart meters in homes and businesses in the region.
The Labour AM is now calling on more local businesses to consider smart meters, which replace traditional meters, in order to help them manage energy use better and potentially make savings on bills.
British Gas smart meters can help smaller businesses, in particular, to get greater insight into their energy use by providing more detailed information about their consumption and the way they use their energy day-to-day.
Eluned Morgan said, “Businesses play a vital role in Mid and West Wales. I’ve seen first-hand how technology can help businesses manage energy better as well as save money on bills. I’d encourage any business to find out more about smart meters and other innovative technologies available to them.
“Smart meters are available for homes as well, and I’d also encourage local residents to contact their energy supplier to find out more about having them installed.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, also attended the event. She said, “The smarter use of technology is a key element of our Green Growth Wales strategy. We recognise we need to minimise our dependence on central generation and smart meters are just one way we can achieve this and, in turn, put control back in the hands of the consumers.
“Smart innovative technology can enable individuals, communities and businesses to better manage energy consumption, save money and secure sustainable energy supply”.
The Energy Innovation Showcase provided an opportunity to learn about Centrica’s Distributed Energy & Power business, which provides larger end energy users with solutions to manage energy better, including energy generation and storage.
Liam Burlinson from British Gas is part of the team leading the roll-out of smart meters for businesses. He said, “We’ve hosted this event to show how innovation and technology, like smart meters, can give small and larger businesses across Wales a real competitive edge. By getting to grips with energy, businesses can gain real insight into their energy use and find ways to make vital savings on energy bills.”
Leading Welsh organisations, including FSB Wales, attended the event.
Ben Cottam, FSB Wales Head of External Affairs, said, “The cost of energy is one of the top issues cited by small businesses across Wales, and energy efficiency remains the single best way to reduce consumer costs. The move to smart meters in Wales is one of the best ways that businesses can take control of their energy bills and become more energy efficient.
“However, installing the new technology won’t automatically provide any benefits for businesses. Savings will come with the ability to change behaviour based on information provided, and the cost savings associated with this. We need to see the small business community in Mid and West Wales supported by industry plans for ongoing energy saving support and advice as part of this roll-out.”
For further information on British Gas smart meters for businesses, visit: britishgasbusiness.co.uk or www.britishgas.co.uk/smart for home installations.
This link provides access to British Gas videos about smart metering for business, which you can use on websites/ social and wider channels:
https://www.britishgas.co.uk/business/smarter-working/smart-metering