Irish smart meter trial begins

Thousands of homes across Ireland are set to take part in a trial of smart meters.

The scheme will see smart electricity meters installed in the homes of 21,000 ESB customers, potentially saving each customer €500 per year on their energy bills.

In total, €1 billion will be spent by Irish energy companies, ensuring that all households and businesses in Ireland are connected to a smart meter by 2012.

Smart meters monitor a household’s electricity use, and give real-time feedback to occupants on their current electricity use, and the cost of the electricity they are using.

Feedback on electricity usage is also given to energy companies, who can then change their pricing policy to increase the price of electricity at the most popular times of day.

Ireland’s Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan, hopes that customers will embrace the scheme when they realise the potential cost savings, as well as the environmental benefits.

He said that the meters will be one of the smartest devices in people’s homes, and added that the policy is a crucial development.