Britain’s transition to a low-carbon economy will require significant modernisation in the energy sector if it is to meet the long term challenges faced in ensuring an affordable, secure and sustainable energy supply.

Greater volumes of small scale and intermittent generation, electric vehicles, heat pumps and other smart appliances underscores the need to manage networks cost-effectively and provide new services to customers in a ‘smarter’ way. 

The Government’s recent confirmation that around 53 million smart meters will be installed in more than 30 million homes and businesses by 2019 will result in one of the largest and most complex projects ever undertaken by the energy industry.

The introduction of smart metering will be a key enabler for Britain’s successful transition to a low-carbon world by providing customers with information to help them to exercise greater control over the energy they use; the introduction of new products and energy management services and the future development of smart grids.

Tackling these complex and inter-related challenges will mean significant change right across the energy sector. This will include revolutionising current industry processes and customer service, network investment and operation, and the provision of near real-time information to customers that will enable them to manage their energy use more closely. 

In order to maximise the potential of opportunities generated by the introduction of smart technologies and smart-enabled processes, the impact of any proposed change needs to be understood across the entire energy supply chain.

Recognising the scale, complexity and potential impact of these changes, Baringa has established a dedicated practice specifically focussing on smart metering and smart grid. We are able to draw on our in-depth knowledge and expertise across generation, energy trading, networks, retail and smart metering to develop innovative solutions with our clients that deliver real and sustainable value while maintaining a clear focus on the ‘big picture’.

The practice has rapidly developed into a recognised centre of excellence, which has recently provided strategic consultancy to both DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) and Ofgem in the development of GB smart metering policy.

In addition, our Smart practice is currently engaged with a number of major industry parties in the definition and delivery of their internal smart metering change programmes and with Low CarbonNetwork Fund (LCNF) projects.

Our services include:

• Definition and delivery of strategic research and business change programmes
• Business and operational process definition, design and implementation
• Operating model design and delivery
• Smart metering discovery workshops, trials and technology roadmap development
• Smart metering field deployment and support strategies
• Business case development and benefits realisation