Digital Technology

Traditionally, the energy industry has operated with a limited amount of customer engagement based upon a linear supply model from generator to consumer. Interaction with the consumer was often limited to the connection process and the payment of energy bills. An energy meter which kept a record of a consumer’s energy use was the basis of the financial relationship between the energy supplier and the consumer.

Increasingly, digital energy meters enable a more interactive relationship between consumers and suppliers and the ability to offer savings based on the time that energy is used. They also help consumers track their energy usage and costs and manage affordability issues.

• Digital energy meters have not been seen as ideal technology for vulnerable consumers given they are often unable to shift load and may engage in rationing of an essential service.
  
  
• There have been products developed that are specifically targeted at vulnerable consumers.
  Pre-payment of energy that enables vulnerable consumers to use energy up to a budgeted amount is one approach that has been trialled.