As energy efficiency is a key means to decarbonise the energy system, the proposal for a revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) to achieve a higher level of greenhouse gas reduction by 2030, as well as the European Green Deal initiatives, is a welcomed development.
The EED revision also represents an opportunity to improve the enabling framework for energy management.
ESMIG has replied to the consultation of the European Commission to make our position and insights for necessary improvements clear.
There are still untapped opportunities such as data interoperability and analytics, dynamic tariffs, and real-time information that need to be addressed.
The smart meter is directly linked to this and indispensable in achieving the energy efficiency targets. Its successful deployment will enable consumer empowerment, measuring and thus managing consumption patterns.
As such, article 9 of the Directive on metering is of particular importance to ensure the participation of end-users in the smart energy system of Europe’s future. This article needs to be clarified as it is subjected to interpretation and leads to uncertainty. Indeed, it creates loopholes which open the possibility of avoiding smart meters deployment.
Finally, the deadline of 1 January 2027 for the replacement of meters by remotely readable devices is not ambitious enough to achieve the new energy efficiency target. The target date should be no later than 2025 to possibly reach the climate goals.