Cheap energy smart meter developed by Oxford University - 15/10/2009
Homeowners planning to switch energy practises at home could be encouraged by the development of a new smart meter at Oxford University.
The new device, produced by Jim Donaldson and Malcolm McCulloch at the university's engineering department, has been designed to monitor the energy consumption of individual electrical appliances in the home to allow homeowners to pinpoint where savings can be made, reports the Guardian.
Consumers could use the meter to identify wasted power and compare energy practices in pursuit of cheaper domestic rates and reduced carbon emissions.
Mr Donaldson is chief technology officer of Intelligent Sustainable Energy, the company associated with Oxford University that will market the meter, and explained why pinpointing specific sources is important.
He told the paper: "It's much better to say 'that's because you've got these lights on, the TV on, that heater' and it allows people to understand exactly where their energy is going so they can change their behaviour."
The government plans to roll out smart meters nationwide by 2020, with specific details to be announced in the next few weeks.
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