Monday 3 October 2022

How can smart meter data help the Energy Price Guarantee scheme?

Saturday 1st October marked not only the first day that new energy prices came into force but also the start of the government's Energy Price Guarantee (EPG).

Last month, in her first major policy announcement as Prime Minister, Liz Truss stressed the scheme would mean a typical household would pay up to an average of £2,500 a year by limiting the price households were paying per unit of gas and electricity they used.

On Saturday, the government published its guidance about the way it will use data from household smart meters to get better insights into the rollout of the EPG scheme.

The government will collect and process personal data related to electricity consumption, tariffs and billing.

The official document states that the data will enable BEIS to monitor the progress and operational delivery of the programme, including its reach across different regions and vulnerable groups.

The data is also set to inform future government policy by evaluating the scheme's impact.

Prime Minister Liz Truss said: "I know people across the country are anxious about their energy bills, which is why we have acted quickly to help them.

"Livelihoods and businesses were at stake. The government’s energy support limits the price they pay for gas and electricity, shields them from massive bill increases, and is expected to curb inflation too."