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BEHIND THE SMART METER

French households are becoming equipped with a growing number of smart equipment for their pleasure, comfort or well-being. Smart energy uses are a deep social evolution, accelerated by the connectivity of domestic equipment, the ever-growing expansion of electric vehicles, and the generalisation of big data processing.

These transformations allow for new opportunities. They enable the deployment of new services whichi are beneficial to energy consumers. The increase in home comfort, control of energy consumption, the economic gains and citizen commitment to an environmental approach are the advantages expected from the energy management.

Demand-side management in households is also one of the levers for contributing to the soundness of the French electricity system and supporting the development in the energy mix, while facilitating the decarbonisation of uses. According to available projections, demand-side management services (and the flexibility thus provided) will be essential to meet the need of solutions for the stress in the electricity system which will appear progressively by 2035 and will intensify by that time because of the ecological transition.

However, the potential for demand flexibility behind of private consumers’ meters is currently underexploited and France lags behind on its own objectives. It appears to be relatively less advanced in terms of service available for customers compared to certain European countries. Therefore, actions must be undertaken as of now to take full advantage of flexibility in the short term, but plans must also be made for increased flexibility needs for 2035. Taking immediate action is necessary to reveal and consolidate the industrial fabric and service solutions, but also to progressively support the change in consumption habits.

This report lays out some proposals to develop energy monitoring and management services.

Download the report