Print   



                           

Press Release

Thursday 5 November 2009 

For immediate release

npower to be first major energy supplier to install smart micro-gen meters

Installation forms part of extensive 'smartpower' programme

npower is to be the first major energy supplier in Britain to start installing smart meters for its micro-generation customers. This trial is part of npower's wider smartpower programme - an extensive roll out of intelligent products and services for customers before the full nationwide deployment of smart meters by 2020.

The roll-out will begin late in December 2009 to over half of npower's micro-generation customers who export electricity back to the grid. The new smart meters are suitable for customers who export via solar PV, wind, micro CHP or hydro.

npower is working with Bglobal, the leading British-based smart metering business to provide this service. Bglobal will deliver and install the smart meters, collect the data and feed it back to the customer and npower.  

Each of the micro-generation smart meters will come with a Customer Display Unit (CDU). The CDU will display the amount of energy being used at the property, enabling customers to build a picture of their consumption and helping them to identify ways of saving energy. It will also show the level of energy being exported back to the grid, and the amount customers will be paid for that energy. 

Louisa Gilchrist, micro generation manager at npower said: "For the first time our micro generation customers will be able to see exactly how much energy they are exporting back onto the grid and its value. They will also have detailed information as to how much energy they are consuming in the home, something common to all smart meters. This roll-out has the potential to have a real impact on the uptake of micro-generation in Britain." 

Dave Ford, head of metering development at npower said: "This is another vital step forward in our on-going smartpower programme. While the Government continue to finalise the programme for the national smart meter roll-out, we are forging ahead to ensure we learn as much as we can in preparation for the national roll-out.

Anthony Barnes, Chief Executive of Bglobal, commented: "We are delighted to be working with npower on this landmark project to provide smart meters to its micro-generation customers. Smart meters will enable micro-generation users to effectively and efficiently manage their energy data for the first time and we look forward to further developing our technology as a result of this exciting programme."

- ends - 

For further information please call the npower press office on 0845 070 2807

For further information on bglobal please visit www.bglobalmetering.com or contact:

Tony Barnes	Mark Taylor	Simon Compton
CEO	Freddy Crossley	Paul Young
Bglobal plc	Charles Stanley Securities (Nominated Adviser)	Tavistock Communications
Tel: +44 (0)1254 819 600	Tel: 020 7149 6000	Tel: 020 7920 3150

 

Notes to Editors:

• npower has more customers exporting energy back to the grid than any other major supplier.

• Smart metering can help customers better manage their energy usage, through the provision of meaningful data and improved products and services from suppliers. Advantages could include: tariff options - for example 'time of day' or 'pay as you go', enhanced data to manage energy usage or costs via display units, text messaging or downloads to PCs and improved data management leading to more accurate, and possibly, more frequent bills.

ENDMSCUSSBRKWRARAA