The challenges of introducing new technologies to consumers are not uncommon in our ever more high-tech and digital world. However, a recent personal experience highlighted these issues when I began the process of installing Low Carbon Technologies in my own home.
Quoting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as an amateur psychologist might be a little bit of a stretch. However, two of its fundamental elements; shelter and property are central to much of life. Installing Low Carbon Technologies in the home directly targets what end users value most: their homes, their shelter.
For many, this can be an incredibly rewarding experience: the excitement of engaging with innovative technologies, the opportunity to actively participate in the energy system while reaping financial benefits, managing energy use, contributing to Net Zero, and enjoying an overall sense of personal or family well-being.
However, things can quickly take a turn. In my case, the issue arose from what my supplier referred to as a ‘non-standard’ EV charger installation. I don’t live in a large mansion – just a typical Victorian semi-detached home. It just so happens that my driveway, and therefore the ideal spot for the charging point, is positioned a few meters away from the main structure of the house.
For my family, the installation has unexpectedly turned into a minor engineering challenge that the installation company has struggled to resolve for several months. However, my challenges are going to be far from unique. Our property is fairly typical, and it’s evident there will be many layers of complexity across the GB housing stock, where installers continue to classify these as ‘non-standard’ installations for Low Carbon Technologies.
The Smart Meter rollout has shown us that variability is the norm. Many energy consumers’ unique property situations or personal circumstances don’t always fit neatly into a company’s processes or standard product designs. As an industry, we need to be cautious with the term ‘non-standard’. Potential solutions such as flexible installation approaches, updated regulations, and better communication between homeowners and installers can improve processes for a smoother transition to green technologies.
Without thoughtful attention to the necessary processes and customer relationships, we risk damaging the experience surrounding what customers cherish most—their homes.
This article was first published in the September issue of the Energy Manager Magazine [page 15].
