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Harnessing the Power of the Smart Meter

Tapping into it is easy!

Sustainability has become a mainstream concern. It’s little wonder then that Irish farmers are increasingly looking to innovative technologies to help reduce costs and drive operational efficiency. Luckily, one such technology stands out for its ability to provide valuable insights without any additional cost: the Smart Meter. 4 out of every 5 households in Ireland now have a smart meter, and ESB Networks are continuing the rollout across the country. William Condon is one such person. 

The Tipperary dairy farmer was initially unsure of the benefits. So what changed his mind? 

“From feed, to fertilizer, to energy, the cost to run the farm has increased 56% since 2015. It’s a big concern. So I started looking into solar panels and realised to make the most of them, I’d need a Smart Meter.” 

William is not wrong. In addition to eliminating the need for estimated bills, Smart Meters also take the guess work out of micro-generation revenues fees. So if you’re generating more electricity than you can use or store, you are paid for any excess electricity you sell to the grid. 

The benefits of a Smart Meter don’t end with accurate billing and generation payments. The data Smart Meters generate can provide a detailed understanding of electricity consumption patterns. With information available down to 30 minute intervals, farmers are empowered to identify equipment inefficiencies and optimise operations to minimise peak-time consumption. 

Tapping into these kind of insights and realising the value of your Smart Meter, begins with one easy step: creating an online account with ESB Networks at www.esbnetworks.ie. Once an account has been created, the data will become available on an easy-to-read dashboard. Within a month, you will be able to see exactly how much electricity you are using or generating, by month, week, and day, right down to half-hour intervals. You will also be able to see a breakdown of your usage across the day, night, and peak times.

For farmers, these insights can lead to significant cost savings and better decision-making around investments in technology. And, for those who prioritise are looking to improve sustainability, Smart Meter insights can help reduce the overall carbon footprint of their farm. 

To take the first step towards greater operational efficiency and a low-carbon future, register for your account today at www.esbnetworks.ie