Written by Alex Wilson
Smart electricity grids feature in the European Commission’s Energy Union package and constitute a priority for the EU in the energy field. Proponents of smart grids argue they can contribute to a more efficient use of energy, increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix, reducing the infrastructure required to supply electricity, and curbing overall energy consumption. Smart grids can also empower consumers, making them more aware of their energy use and able to adjust it in response to price signals. To facilitate the development of smart grids, the Commission encourages the deployment of smart metering across EU Member States, in line with the recommendations of the 2009 gas and electricity packages.
Yet in practice significant variations exist among Member States in their deployment of smart metering, the precise energy cost savings are uncertain and there remain concerns about security and data protection. Energy producers tend to be most supportive of smart metering, and have successfully pushed for full-scale deployment in several member states. The European Parliament is generally supportive of the development of smart grids and metering, but asks that this process takes full account of consumer concerns, particularly in terms of costs and security.
Read this Briefing on Smart electricity grids and meters in the EU Member States in PDF
[…] Reaching the targets of the Paris Agreement will be a great challenge, requiring unprecedented levels of innovation and trillions of euros in investments. As early as July 2015, well before COP 21, the EU began the process of reaching its international post-2020 targets, with a legislative proposal for strengthening the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which is currently being discussed in the Council and the European Parliament. In July 2016, the European Commission took the next steps by proposing legislation for effort sharing between Member States in the sectors not covered by the ETS, and for climate action in the land use and forestry sectors. To meet its ambitious targets, the EU must take action on all fronts, including energy efficiency, renewable energies, buildings, heating and cooling, transport and smart grids. […]
[…] areas where it is consumed. As the share of renewables in electricity production continues to grow, smart grids and smart meters facilitate its smooth integration in the electricity system. Significant variations exist among […]
This is simply about putting a ball & chain around every individual & every nation so that they will never be able to break away from the EU & it’s tentacles without risking losing access to the utilities people take for granted.