New organization established to promote smart grids
The new SmartGrid GB has been established to promote the adoption of smart grid infrastructure in the UK.
SmartGrid GB will focus on promoting the consumer, environmental, and economic benefits of smart grids and claims it has representatives from “across the energy sector, ICT companies, environmental organizations, government, regulators, and consumer groups.”
The new organization will also provide policy advice and suggestions to the government on how to deliver the smart grips. The establishment of the new organization was headed by the representative body of UK’s technology sector, Intellect along with stakeholders from the utilities industry.
Alcatel-Lucent, British Gas, Cable & Wireless, General Electric, IBM, Intellect, Logica, npower, Oracle, Power Plus Communications, SAP, Siemens, UK Power Networks, and Utilisoft are among the founding members of SmartGrid GB.
“The implementation of the smart grid will be of critical importance to the UK’s future,” said Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change. “It will be essential for meeting our future energy demands, ensuring our energy supply remains secure and resilient, and reducing our overall carbon emissions.”
He also said that the adoption of smart grids is essential for the country. Smart grids add intelligence and efficiency to the power network and helps reduce electricity consumption and wastages.