For manufacturers in particular, where operational costs are tightly linked to resource use, the ability to monitor and respond to consumption patterns in real time is proving transformative.
Smart meters offer more than just data, they provide clarity.
By tracking usage across a 24-hour cycle, businesses can identify inefficiencies, spot unusual patterns and make specific and targeted interventions that can lead to savings of between 5pc and 15pc.
These insights don’t just support greater cost efficiencies, it also helps improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and support sustainability goals.
To support manufacturing companies adapt smart metering, Enterprise Ireland is offering financial support through its capital investment for energy monitoring and tracking (EM&T) systems grant.
Aimed at manufacturing firms, this support covers up to 50pc of eligible costs, which includes meters for electricity, gas, diesel, oil, water, and steam, as well as installation and commissioning.
Projects can range from €10,000 to €100,000, making it accessible to both small and large enterprises.
If you’re not sure where to start, or if your company’s current system is lacking, Enterprise Ireland also provides expert guidance through its climate action voucher and greenstart grant.
These help businesses develop a metering roadmap, conduct gap analyses, and interpret data effectively. The goal is to empower companies to take control of their energy and water use, not just react to it.
Across the EU, smart meters are being rolled out. Photo: Getty
Recent case studies shared during an Enterprise Ireland webinar demonstrate the positive impact of smart metering on a business.
Caroline Sugrue of DCS Group, an energy and sustainability services firm, highlighted how real-time data enabled targeted actions and the correct sizing of renewable energy systems like solar PV and heat pumps.
At Lee Strand Co-Op Creamery, operations manager John Murphy described how they achieved an initial 12pc reduction in electricity usage by installing submeters and making a few operational tweaks without any additional capital investment.
Donal Budds of FreeFoam Building Products shared how FreeFoam metered individual machines and subsystems.
By switching to low-energy vacuum systems, they achieved a 10pc energy saving for that subsystem. Energy monitoring helped underpin an energy savings culture within the company.
With growing pressure from customers to reduce carbon footprints, FreeFoam is now well-positioned to set and meet ambitious sustainability targets.
Installing smart meters and having a better understanding of your energy and water usage profile enables accurate carbon accounting, supports life cycle assessments and product carbon footprint labelling.
As customer expectations around environmental performance grow, having robust data is no longer optional, it’s a necessity.
For further information, you can visit enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/become-more-sustainable
Kathleen O’Regan is a senior executive for sustainability solutions with Enterprise Ireland
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