BEAMA welcomes the Government’s policy response to the trials of alternatives to In-Home Displays and its continued commitment to ensuring the consumer is at the centre of the rollout. The trials concluded that IHDs have similar or better impacts than alternatives in terms of supporting consumers reduce their energy consumption and that IHDs are more widely suitable, tend to be used by more members of the household, and are more likely to prompt widespread behaviour change.
Jeremy Yapp, Head of Flexible Energy Systems at BEAMA, said:
“These findings vindicate BEAMA’s long-standing position that including an offer of an IHD within a smart metering system is the most effective way to help consumers use energy more efficiently, save money, reduce carbon emissions and take control of their energy use.
“We also welcome the data from the trials highlighting some additional features that may be help to engage consumers. IHDs are modern, cutting-edge technology that are far more advanced than the models available a decade ago. The Government is right to encourage continued innovation in this area and we expect to see continued advances in this technology in the coming years.
“The trials confirm that an IHD is the best introduction for most consumers to smart energy management. Onwards connectivity and other smart features will allow consumers to access new smart energy propositions and services that will enable new markets for energy products and energy system flexibility, including energy storage”.
The Government conclusions can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/830603/ihd-alternative-trials-policy-conclusions.pdf#page=6
