Households can choose from a growing mix of smart home energy products. There are also electricity providers who will offer to manage your appliances, solar PV, batteries and other devices. Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS – a system that automatically co-ordinates energy in your home) continue to evolve with advances in product design and technological innovation.
Likelihood to purchase a HEMS in the next three years has increased (36% very or somewhat likely, up from 33% last year). However, 28% say they need more information before making a decision. Interest in HEMS is higher among younger people (aged 18 to 34) (49%) and those with solar PV (36%).
Interest in various HEMS services has also increased over the last year. Interest in receiving recommendations on how to save on electricity bills is now at (56% high interest rated 7-10, up from 53% last year). Interest in allowing for remote control of appliances for electricity is now at 52% (up from 47%), and for other purposes (49%, up from 45%).
Interest in third party remote management is comparatively much lower but has also increased this year (35%, up from 28%). Among those with solar PV, the majority are interested in using a HEMS to get the best results from their solar PV system (74%). Younger people (aged 18 to 34), those earning higher incomes ($151K or more) and those with solar PV typically show higher interest in these HEMS services.
Around (45%) of households indicate that they have a smart meter installed. Most households see the value that smart meter services have to offer, particularly when it comes to providing accurate and reliable metering data (71% high value rated 7-10), removing the need for a meter reader to enter their property (61%) and giving access to products that help them control and understand energy usage (54%). Those living in South East QLD, those aged 18-34 and 35-54, earning higher incomes ($151K or more) and with solar PV see more value in smart meter services.
Energy management services
