The Smart Energy Research Laboratory (SERL), run by UCL’s Smart Energy Research Group (SERG) is partnering with Utilita Energy to enable research that will help lead to a better understanding of UK domestic energy use. Data gathered in the project will help researchers inform policymakers and the energy industry on developing ways to make a more sustainable, secure, and affordable UK energy system.
The Smart Energy Research Lab (SERL) dataset
SERL currently collects gas and electricity smart meter energy data from thousands of homes across Great Britain. The data shared includes half-hourly gas and electricity smart meter readings as well as Energy Performance Certificate data; weather data and information on the building and household demographics from a survey filled out by participants.
The dataset has been available to UK accredited researchers for six years and has been used in some 50 research projects as well as contributing to large government energy policy initiatives and interventions. Impacts have included gaining insight into energy patterns during the Covid-19 pandemic and energy cost crises as well as significantly improving understanding of Energy Performance Certificates.
Why Pay As You Go (PAYG) households matter
A key priority for SERL is ensuring that the dataset reflects the diversity of homes and energy users across Great Britain. At present, households using PAYG tariffs are under‑represented compared with the national average. Improving participation from these customers makes the research more robust and ensures that the needs and experiences of PAYG households are better reflected in future policy and industry decisions.
Partnering with Utilita to reach more households
As the UK’s leading PAYG energy supplier, Utilita supports around 750,000 customers, many of whom use PAYG smart meters. Following discussions between UCL and Utilita’s Research and Development team, Utilita has agreed to support the research by inviting their customers to take part.
A cohort of Utilita customers will receive information about the opportunity to contribute to the SERL dataset by sharing their smart meter data and completing a short survey, in exchange for a small incentive. Participation is entirely optional but those who wish to take part will then be contacted by SERL to sign up to take part.
The value of the collaboration
Dr Clare Hanmer, SERL Project Lead at UCL, said: “We are grateful for Utilita’s collaboration in enabling this important research. We are keen to improve our dataset by increasing the amount of PAYG homes in the sample and we look forward to seeing what insights the new additions will bring.”
Chris O’Donnell, Utilita’s Head of Analytics, agrees: “We’re very happy to be able to facilitate academic research of this kind and recognise the importance of gathering data from PAYG customers which make up the main body of our customer base. Hopefully, the research will lead to insights which can be to the benefit of consumers across the UK.”
