Are you a smart electricity user

As the world struggles with energy deficiency and energy prices soar; technologies like smart grids and smart meters are being adopted to educate customers and improve energy efficiency. While governments and energy utilities implement these programs; there is much that we as consumers can do today to reduce our energy consumption and related costs. Four key steps that can be taken are:

Calculating energy costs

While most of us can calculate the cost of fuel we use in our motor vehicle not many would be able to do the same for electricity. Two apparently identical appliances can have very different energy requirements; to tackle this issue some appliances now come with 'energy labels' enabling customers to meaningfully compare their energy consumption. Energy savings obtained by purchasing energy saving appliances can offset their higher purchase cost.

Reducing consumption

Reducing your energy consumption can be done by either changing the way appliances are used or by purchasing energy saving appliances. Some simple steps include reducing the thermostat settings on hot water systems, using insulation like blinds, curtains etc. To increase the efficiency for heating and cooling systems, regular maintenance of appliances, replacing incandescent lights with LED and CFLs can provide significant energy savings.

Comparing Tariffs

In deregulated markets customers are offered a range of different tariffs. Selecting the right tariff can reduce the cost of energy. For customers to be sure that they choose the right tariff they need to compare various retail tariffs. This may require them to compare fixed tariffs with different block sizes or even Time of Use (ToU) tariffs. Comparing tariffs can allow customers to select the most cost effective tariff. Customers choosing a ToU tariff can consider changing their appliance use to further reduce their cost of energy.

Analyzing your Bill

In the words of Lord Kelvin "You cannot improve what you cannot measure". Your electricity bill provides valuable information on your energy use. Knowing the elements on your bill and establishing appropriate control measures is a good energy practice

With energy price increasing the world over, comparing energy consumption patterns, improving on them and selecting an appropriate tariff based on your usage can make a significant difference to your annual energy costs. What are the steps you are taking to minimize your energy costs?

About the Author

Dr Martin Gill (PhD) has 15 years of experience in the utility space, covering communications systems, smart meters, power quality analysers, fault monitoring systems and customer interaction via home area networks and web portals.

Dr Gill served as the Business Requirements Work Stream Leader on Australia's National Smart Metering Program on the development of a functional specification for future smart meter rollouts throughout Australia.

In another role Martin and his team developed the first Smart Metering systems to be deployed to Australian customers. These systems used an In Home Display and web portal to provide customers instantaneous feedback of their energy consumption. The team was externally recognised with the Green Globe Award, Premier's Award, Banksia Award and AEEMA Best New Product.

Dr Gill has also worked with utilities to prepare their Smart Grid roadmaps and undertaken detailed financial modelling of the costs and benefits of Smart Grid rollouts.

Prior to moving into the utility space Martin worked for the Australian Defence Department specialising in wireless communications. At the Rockwell Science Center in Los Angeles California he joined the team developing wireless sensors to replace mine fields.

Education

Martin's Doctoral thesis examined the design of communications modems. His master's degree was in Military Systems Engineering undertaken in the UK. He has also completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) and a Bachelor of Science (Applied Maths and Computing) at the University of Adelaide. He completed a Graduate Diploma in Electronic Systems Engineering at the University of South Australia.

Personal

Martin resides near Bondi Beach, Sydney Australia with his fiance and his two dogs. He lap swims and (attempts) to play tennis.

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