Big business leaders back Britain’s smart energy upgrade

British business leaders have signalled their support for the economic benefits and future innovations enabled by the digital upgrade of Britain’s energy system now underway, as smart meters are installed across Great Britain.

New research gathering the views of more than 500 senior decision-makers in large British companies, carried out by ComRes for Smart Energy GB, reveals that more than eight in ten (83 per cent) think that Britain’s energy system needs a digital upgrade.

A similar proportion (86 per cent) believe that the smart meter rollout is important for the British economy.

The smart meter rollout is transforming Britain’s energy system as millions of digital smart meters are installed in homes and small businesses across the country. This national upgrade will enable smarter grids, help better manage the supply and demand of energy, and will underpin the greater integration of smart technology in our homes.

The study shows that nearly all (95 per cent) of British big business leaders consider smart technology to be important for Britain’s economic growth and that more than two thirds (68 per cent) are considering the role of this type of technology in their own business strategies.

At the same time nearly all (97 per cent) of those surveyed said that it was important to ensure a resilient energy system for Great Britain.

A large majority (88 per cent) of respondents said that they would like to see government put together a plan for Britain to maximise the economic potential of smart meters, smart meter data and smart technologies. Nearly all (94 per cent) of those who wanted a plan put together said this should be developed working alongside the business community.

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB said: “This research shows that business leaders across the country recognise the huge opportunities for innovation that are being created by the smart meter rollout and the transformation it brings to our energy system. There’s an incredible opportunity for businesses large and small, established brands and new innovators, to work with government to create the plan that will give Britain global leadership in smart technology.

“A flexible, digital energy system, with smart meters at its heart, is vital for Britain’s future economic success.”

 

-ENDS-

 

Research

The data in this release is from research carried out by ComRes between 27^th September and 10^th October 2016. ComRes surveyed 502 senior financial and operational decision-makers at large GB companies with 250+ employees online. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Data tables are available on the ComRes website.

 

Notes to editors

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the voice of the smart meter rollout. It’s our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to get their gas and electricity under control. Our national campaign has already begun and will reach all households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales. 

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters will replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They will provide consumers with accurate bills, near real time information on energy usage in pounds and pence, and greater control over their gas and electricity. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. Between now and 2020, everyone across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier at no extra cost. More than 4 million smart meters have already been installed. To find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier, pick up a leaflet from your local Post Office branch or visit this page.