IET: Science festival-goers hear all about the home energy revolution

Visitors to the British Science Festival, which is taking place in Bradford, have been hearing all about the revolution in home energy that will take place in the next few years.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) hosted a stand at the Festival (on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September) to show visitors how the way we use energy in our homes is set to change dramatically.

Sandra Godman from the IET said: “We spoke to hundreds of visitors over the weekend who were keen to find out more about how the way we use energy in our homes will change. In the future we will be more concerned with how much energy we are using and we may even generate power from our homes.

“An important part of our campaign is talking to the public about the way energy is changing and making sure their views are captured and incorporated in recommendations to Government and other key stakeholders in the energy world.”

Visitors to the IET’s stand had the opportunity to have their say on six key issues relating to energy policy: generation from renewables, home generation, demand/supply balance, home usage information, cost rises to fund grid modernisation, and the need to adapt behaviour. This information will feed into an on-going research programme.

Working with the IET and talking to the public about this hot topic was AlertMe, who have developed SmartEnergy, a system to empower consumers and give them unprecedented visibility and control of their homes wherever they are.

Visitors saw how easy SmartEnergy is to manage energy usage, even when away from home. Three lucky Bradford residents will be receiving prizes following a draw.

The British Science Festival is one of Europe's largest science festivals, showcasing the latest in science, technology and engineering. This year’s event runs until Thursday 15 September.

Ends

Notes to Editors:
§ Interview opportunities are available with IET spokespersons.

§ The IET is Europe’s largest professional body of engineers with over 150,000 members in 127 countries.

§ For more information, visit www.theiet.org.

§ Follow the IET on Twitter.

Media enquiries to:
Robert Beahan, Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
E: rbeahan@theiet.org