South African operator Vodacom has issued advice on smart metering in a bid to restrict the necessity of electricity “load shedding” this winter.
HumanIPO reported in April on Cape Town-based startup Homebug which aims to help homeowners monitor their power and water consumption.
Now Vuyani Jarana, head of Vodacom Business, has trumpeted the use of smart meters which improve the relationship between utility and consumer.
Jarana said: “In addition to managing energy consumption, smart metering has the potential to make the greatest impact in improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. In fact, as a company we have already deployed around 3,000 smart meters to our sites and have realised significant savings.”
In United Kingdom, it is estimated smart meters have saved around £300 million (US$470 million) a year.
He added: “I believe that South African businesses and consumers alike would benefit greatly by introducing this technology. As a country we would be able to reduce our carbon output and as consumers we could bring down our energy costs.”
