Pilot support scheme for smart devices and efficiency services: Der Einsparzähler ("energy-savings meter")

Panel: 1. Policies and programmes

Author:
Michael Blohm, BMWI - Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie Referat II B 1, Grundsatz Energieeffizienz und rationelle Energienutzung, Germany

Abstract

Many customers would like to save energy and cut down their energy bill, but don’t know how. IT-based continuous energy monitoring– such as it is possible with i.e. “smart” meters and other comparable devices – may allow for a better understanding of individual energy consumption patterns. It also may allow for detection of wasteful behavior and routines. The aim is to enable the consumer to understand what the main drivers for his individual energy consumption are – and how to drive down his energy consumption at little cost and with small changes in energy use.

The German Ministry for Economics and Energy is to start a pilot scheme for innovative IT-based pilot project for saving energy based on such “intelligent” IT-based pilot systems. To be eligible, a company needs to put forward a project proposal which includes the testing phase of a “smart” pilot scheme at their customer’s places. Any such program at least needs to meet the following criteria:

1) description of the baseline (average energy consumption of the last 3 years)

2) transparent description the energy monitoring concept and the system boundary

3) hardware/software combination to allow for continuous energy monitoring

4) appliance and equipment detection as a basis for individualized information

5) output device (such as a screen) providing tips for the end user on how to save energy

6) security and data protection

The program shall support companies to run test and pilot projects. It is applicable to any pilot scheme to be implemented in the residential, commercial or industrial sector which aims at helping the end user to save electricity, gas, heat or cooling energy, provided it is methodologically sound and does lead to energy savings.

The aim is to provide a new impetus for smart energy efficiency services and contribute to kick-starting innovative IT-based energy efficiency information to consumers and companies.