Smart Meters for Schools

Amongst the many concerns that furrow the brows of our head teachers, security and energy efficiency are among the most pressing. Access to academic premises whether schools, colleges or any other place of further education needs to be more closely controlled now than ever. At the same time, environmental concerns and budget constraints have conspired to make energy conservation a key issue for governors and head teachers; not to mention parents, whose choice of school can increasingly be influenced by its green policies.

It is for these reasons that the recent development of Smart metering has been met with more interest than usually accompanies announcements from utility suppliers. Smart meters are electricity or gas meters that can be read remotely. They use SMS technology to transmit readings to energy suppliers meaning that no physical meter readings need to be taken. And with no permission needed to grant access, it is one less security problem for school staff to think about.

Energy efficiency

But it is the impact of Smart metering on energy efficiency that is making even the most recalcitrant of academic staff sit up and pay attention in class. Because meter readings do not rely on physical access, accurate readings can be taken at any time and admin and financial staff no longer need to rely on estimates. This has two effects, both beneficial. First of all, financial managers will be delighted to know that the reading on the bill is the reading they have to pay, no more contingencies for next term, no more invoice disputes, just all round better cashflow. But the main benefit lies in the wealth of data provided by

Smart metering

Energy managers ; whether school bursars or estate managers can view data from readings via online energy management tools, allowing them to analyse their overall energy consumption, compare usage across facilities, spot exceptional usage patterns and predict future needs. With all this information at hand, combined with the keenness of mind you would expect from a place of learning, energy efficiency strategies can only become more Successful But why should this valuable data be restricted to staff? In an era when energy awareness is high on both political and educational agendas, it presents a golden opportunity for students to find out precisely where the energy goes and what is being done to minimise your carbon footprint.

Robust solution

Smart meters are not difficult to install, with small devices fitted alongside or in place of existing meters. Schools and colleges can move from the traditional, physical metering process with its inherent security issues, to the new Smart metering system in a matter of weeks. The modern academic institution deserves an equally progressive energy solution. Smart metering is a robust solution that can help not only to safeguard the welfare of your students and your reputation, but it can also help you to protect budgets by giving you greater visibility of energy usage.