CEFC boosts consumer control over energy use with $50 Million investment in smart tech
Smart meters and advanced behind-the-meter (BTM) devices help consumers better understand and manage their energy usage, ultimately saving on power costs and reducing their carbon footprint.
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is making it easier for consumers to manage their energy systems by investing $50 million in Intellihub. This funding will help increase the installation of smart meters and advanced behind-the-meter (BTM) devices.
With the rise of renewable energy, smart meters and BTM devices are essential for households. These tools let consumers monitor and control their energy usage, balancing energy from solar panels, home batteries, electric vehicle chargers, air conditioning, and hot water systems. This can lead to cost savings and more efficient energy use.
"One of the most exciting things about the energy transition is that it quite literally puts more power into the hands of consumers," said Monique Miller, CEFC Chief Investment Officer for Renewables and Sustainable Finance.
Smart meters also play a crucial role in helping grid operators manage energy consumption in real time. This is increasingly important as more renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid. By providing detailed data on how and when energy is used, these devices assist in maintaining grid reliability.
Meanwhile, ARENA and AEMO are developing a national consumer energy resource data exchange to make it possible for energy companies to better integrate small-scale energy resources – such a rooftop solar and home batteries – into the electricity system.
