Are smart meters as smart as they should be?

Smart meters are here to stay, but I suspect we're about to miss out on an opportunity to really manage the way we use energy at home.

Smart meters that provide a range of real time energy information to consumers are now a world wide phenomenon as governments try to grapple with rising costs and higher greenhouse gas restrictions.

In Australia alone the market is expected to be close to $2 billion as smart meters-in all their many guises-are rolled out around the country in the next decade.

But are they smart enough in a world where fast broadband will ultimately be very accessible and our homes are filled with digital gadgets that can be networked and controlled?

From what I've seen of the models and operating formats being installed in homes here I'd say no.

While some companies and government agencies have looked at more internet based options-the so-called Broadband Power Line-the standard smart meters will really provide for basic consumption information and feedback to consumers.

But we could be doing so much more to help people manage energy better at home if there was a little more courage on the part of governments and electricity retailers.

Not only could we be actively helping people cut back on energy guzzlers through a range of feedback options like emails, mobile phone texts and phone calls, but we should be encouraging greater network control on appliances like air conditioners.

At the heart of this debate is the failure by government to adequately create technology standards at home. Homes with the capacity to handle technology could make much better use of smart meters and that would mean a smarter, more energy wise world.

John Fennell