Ofgem, the gas and electric regulator in the UK, have recently announced bold measures to fund four smart cities throughout the UK, which will lead the way in utilising the latest micro generation technologies.  The regulator plans to offer up to £500 million to energy suppliers to convert and incorporate micro generation technologies into their power supplying grids. Ofgem intend to create a decentralisation of power distribution and replace it with local, greener technologies in order that communities can be self-functioning on their own green power sources.

In some areas, this initiative will be helped by a new scheme to offer loans to help people convert their homes to generate and utilise renewable energies. The Green Building Council are offering homeowners up to a £10,000 loan to set up micro generation technologies with an aim of reducing the amount of carbon emissions currently being produced.

Some areas of the country are way ahead of others on this issue with Wales at the forefront of change in this area. They are currently reviewing whether planning charges for the installation of solar panels and other micro generation technologies should be dropped. According to Environment Minister, Jane Davidson, micro generation could help remove people from fuel poverty across Wales. If this was tried and tested there is little doubt that similar initiatives may be adopted in other parts of the country.

These technologies hold the key to an environmentally friendly, socially desirable and more efficient way for us to sustain our energy consumption in the future. And with the momentum implementation of these technologies is gaining, don’t be surprised if they form an essential part of every household in years to come.