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Calisen and LCP Delta: Switching up smart meters to serve the nation better could save up to £1.9bn every year

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2 months ago

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Latest data shows the country’s smart meter system can strengthen energy resilienceBetter identification of vulnerable customers could create an additional £250m of savings

MANCHESTER, England, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The UK’s smart meter system is an under-utilised tool that has the potential to serve the nation in new and important ways, according to latest research from LCP Delta, the expert energy consulting firm. Calisen, the UK’s largest smart meter provider commissioned the report ‘Switching up the smart system:  How the smart system can transform energy resilience’, to investigate how smart meters could better support the UK and look at the benefits of full rollout. Latest Department for Energy, Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) figures show 72% of UK homes have smart meters (electric and gas).  The LCP Delta report identifies operational and system interventions with a range of potential benefits from base case to best case – its upper most at a £1.9bn annual saving, with an additional lifetime saving of £250m from better identification of vulnerable customers.

Highlights from the report:

–  Dynamically balancing supply and demand: Smart meters can better match supply with demand – this presents huge value when renewables such as wind are abundant and reduces overall constraint costs (around £1.8bn for 2025 according to NESO).  They also allow consumer-led flexibility by providing near real-time data, which gives people the opportunity to shift when they use power. Smart meters enable services such as the Windy Day Fund, Power Up or Turn Up, which seek to distribute excess energy to customers, and the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) which can reward households for reducing demand – a potential value of £560m in lower customer bills annually.
–  Voltage controls: Smart meter-enabled voltage control improves energy efficiency and grid resilience by providing visibility of voltage levels beyond substations. Trials show smart meter data can help identify and even predict voltage issues. Separate trials have shown smart meters can also be used to adjust voltage across a distribution network – a potential value of over £900m in lower customer bills annually.
–  Operational savings from full smart meter roll out: According to DESNZ, smart meters met their business case savings in 2019 in terms of reducing costs to industry such as site visits, customer calls and debt handling.  With domestic supply profits in the low single digits and capital adequacy concerns, reducing metering costs helps energy companies invest in product innovation and better customer service – full smart meter roll out has a potential value of £420m in industry savings a year.
–  Vulnerable customers: Recent pilots by distribution network operators (DNOs) have demonstrated smart meters’ ability to help identify vulnerable customers through consumption data patterns.  Better identification of vulnerable customers has a broad range of benefits including better health from warmer homes in winter and more efficient support for customers on the Priority Services Register.  There are also reduced costs in serving customers during power cuts and emergency situations – potential saving across the current system of £250m.

Realising the fuller benefits of the smart system also underlines why the Government’s bold target to reach 100% uptake is such an important commitment.  More meters working more of the time is also critical – latest DESNZ figures show over 7% of smart meters are non-communicating.  However, advances in data and analytics mean industry can more effectively tackle non-communicating meters to ensure the system is fully functioning and giving consumers and the grid better visibility to make the most of precious resources.

Commenting on the research, Catherine O’Kelly, CEO of Calisen, said:

“Smart meters are now part of everyday life for the majority of people in the UK.  Cheaper flexible tariffs and the transition to low carbon technologies like solar, batteries and EVs are driving increasing uptake as consumers see more tangible benefits to this clever bit of kit. 

“The first stage of the smart meter rollout brought convenience and savings to consumers and industry alike.  A maturing smart meter system opens up even more possibilities that could save Britain billions and bolster our grid as we move to cleaner power sources.  The research paints a picture of an important piece of national infrastructure, connecting near real time data and flexible demand side management for the benefit of us all. Importantly, we know from the 4 million home visits a year the Calisen field force makes, smart meters present an opportunity to improve the lives of vulnerable customers – ensuring better identification of those in need and opening up a pathway to support.”

Tom Veli, Partner at LCP Delta, added:

“The UK was one of the first countries to adopt smart metering to bring in a whole range of demand side benefits – reducing manual reads in homes and making it easier for consumers to switch supplier. While the rollout has been slower than hoped, a more comprehensive smart meter system now presents value creating opportunities for the nation at a time when energy bills are causing real pain. Our report considers a range of options across data and analytics such as improving meter health and outage detection but really focusses in on areas where there are substantial tangible gains to be made if industry and policy makers are prepared to work together. Beyond this, there is so much more we can do with our smart metering system.  It is an underutilised piece of grid infrastructure and now is the time to flip the switch from reactive to proactive.”

The report was launched at a cross-public and private sector event in Westminster, hosted by Calisen and LCP Delta, as part of London Climate Action Week.

Notes to editors

About the research

‘Switching up the smart system:  How the smart system can transform energy resilience’

Calisen commissioned LCP Delta to investigate ways in which the UK’s smart meter system could be harnessed to support the energy transition in new ways.  Experts at LCP Delta have produced the report in two sections.  The first report analyses grid resilience in the UK and around the world to show how systems seek to build strength across four areas: technical, operational, societal and systems.  This report also identifies new ways data and analytics could be used to improve the existing system.  The second report homes in on specific and practical opportunities, with potential values.  Each is actionable by industry, with some Government policy support required.

About Calisen

Calisen Group Holdings Limited (“Calisen”) has been operating in the modernisation of metering systems for over a decade, originating in Manchester and Wigan in the UK. Calisen has grown substantially in this time and is now the leading owner and operator of essential energy infrastructure assets, with 16m meters, including around 40% of all smart meters in UK homes. Calisen’s purpose is to contribute to the transition of the country’s energy and water systems from analogue to intelligent technology, making them more efficient, more resilient and giving people the power to connect to market innovations like flexible tariffs and home generation like solar.

The Group employs approximately 1,500 people from its offices in Manchester, Market Harborough, London, Wigan, and Portsmouth. Calisen also announced the launch of its first international business in Germany in November 2025.

For further information, please visit www.calisen.com 

About LCP Delta

LCP Delta™ is a trading name of Delta Energy & Environment Limited and Lane Clark & Peacock LLP (LCP). LCP Delta™ combines the expertise of LCP Energy and Delta-EE to provide a single partner across the whole energy value chain. We are a team of passionate people using data, primary research, insights, analysis and models, embracing advanced technology and innovation to accelerate the energy transition globally. Find out more here.

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DUVA Introduces DUVA ONE at IFA 2026: Personalized Sleep Earbuds That Respond in Real Time

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34 minutes ago

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September 6, 2026

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The Sleep System That Understands You Best.

BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DUVA, created by Fitnexa, is introducing DUVA ONE at IFA Berlin 2026. This intelligent in-ear sleep system is designed to sense changes in the user and the bedroom, then personalize audio, noise control, and device behavior throughout the night.

Most sleep wearables explain what happened after users wake up. DUVA ONE is designed to help while the night is still happening. Its low-profile earbuds, environment-sensing charging case, and app work together to determine when and how to respond.

A user might start the night with a podcast over Bluetooth. After they fall asleep, DUVA ONE can introduce locally stored sleep audio and optimize power use. If a partner begins snoring or traffic grows louder, it can adjust ANC or add sound masking. In the morning, a private offline alarm wakes only the wearer, without requiring an active phone connection.

In-ear PPG and motion sensors estimate sleep stages and track heart rate, HRV, sleep position, and movement, while the case monitors noise, light, temperature, and humidity. The AI Agent interprets these signals alongside playback status and personal preferences to select an appropriate response. Users control sleep audio, playback duration, ANC strategy, and nighttime interventions in the DUVA App.

“Sleep does not happen in a static environment, so sleep technology should not remain static either,” said Diego, Founder of Fitnexa. “DUVA ONE is designed to respond while sleep is still happening.”

Key Highlights

Layered noise relief: Passive isolation, Hybrid ANC, and sleep audio provide noise reduction of up to 42 dB, with Transparency Mode and adaptive ANC calibration.Personalized AI sleep guidance: The AI analyzes the user’s real-time sleep state and generates personalized audio guidance to help them gradually fall asleep.Side-sleeping comfort: Each fitted earbud weighs approximately 3.3 grams and has an approximately 9.9 mm low-profile design. Two ear-tip shapes and multiple tip and stabilizing-wing sizes provide more than 40 fit configurations.All-night battery: Up to 16 hours in the most power-efficient configuration, including 13 hours of local audio with ANC off and 9.5 hours with ANC on. The USB-C and wireless charging case provides up to five additional recharges.Private offline alarm: Alarms gradually increase in volume and offer 5, 10, or 15-minute snooze options through the earbud controls.Privacy-first sensing: DUVA ONE does not record conversations, store ambient audio, or upload raw environmental audio. Users can disable individual sensors and delete historical data.

DUVA ONE is planned for release in October 2026 at a target retail price of US$349.99, with target markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia.

Media Contact: essie@duva.com
Learn more: duva.com

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SOURCE DUVA

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China Xplained | The China Squeeze, or the China Opportunity?

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3 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from South: 

Is China’s manufacturing rise squeezing out or creating opportunities for other economies?

Ahead of the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China this November, journalists and experts from around the world gathered in Guangdong for the Asia-Pacific Media Forum (APMF) 2026.

The forum opened in Shenzhen on September 5, bringing together more than 400 representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from international organizations.

Before the opening of the forum, participants travelled across Guangdong to see China’s industries and development first-hand.

In this episode of China Xplained, we look at the numbers, supply chains, investment and voices from across the developing world—to ask a bigger question: Is China squeezing out room for other economies?

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SOURCE South

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PUDU D7 Named Honoree in IFA Innovation Awards for Best in IFA Next & Emerging Technologies

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4 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pudu Robotics, a global leader in commercial service robotics, today announced that its PUDU D7 Semi-humanoid Intelligent Robot has been named an Honoree in the Best in IFA Next & Emerging Technologies category of the IFA Innovation Awards. The recognition highlights PUDU D7’s ability to combine mobile navigation, dexterous manipulation and intelligent sensing to perform a range of tasks in real-world industrial and commercial environments.

The IFA Innovation Awards recognize outstanding innovations across the global technology landscape. Entries are evaluated by an independent international jury based on criteria including technology and functionality, innovation and originality, and the potential to create tangible value for users and the market. The recognition places PUDU D7 among emerging technologies demonstrating new possibilities for the future of robotics.

From Industrial Operations to Guest Interaction

PUDU D7 is designed for industrial, warehouse, retail and hospitality environments, where it can move through human-oriented spaces and perform tasks that require both mobility and dexterous manipulation.

In industrial and warehouse settings, D7 can handle materials, pick items from shelves, replenish inventory, transport goods between work areas and push carts. With a payload capacity of up to 20 kg (44.1 pounds) and an operating height of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet), it can work with a range of storage systems and materials.

In retail, D7 can support shelf replenishment, item handling and store organization, moving products between storage areas and shelves and helping maintain product displays.

In hotels and hospitality, PUDU D7 can take on the role of an intelligent front-desk host, welcoming guests, preparing and serving coffee, interacting with visitors and providing engaging experiences. Its semi-humanoid form and dual-arm capabilities allow it to combine practical service tasks with natural human-robot interaction, bringing a more personable and engaging presence to the guest experience.

Designed for Adaptable Performance

PUDU D7 combines a dual-arm manipulation system, tactile sensing and a 360-degree perception system to support these applications. Front- and rear-facing LiDAR and other sensors enable navigation around people and obstacles, while tactile sensing provides precise control when handling objects.

The robot also features autonomous battery swapping, allowing it to independently replace its battery and reduce downtime during extended operation.

Together, these capabilities enable D7 to support different tasks across a range of environments without being limited to a single application.

PUDU D7 Makes Its European Debut at IFA

IFA 2026 marks the first time PUDU D7 is being showcased in Europe. At the Pudu Robotics booth, visitors can experience live demonstrations highlighting the robot’s capabilities and its potential for human-robot interaction.

D7 interacts directly with visitors through demonstrations including waving, making heart gestures and picking up objects. These demonstrations showcase the robot’s ability to combine movement, manipulation and interaction in a human-oriented environment.

Advancing the Next Generation of Intelligent Robotics

The IFA Innovation Awards recognition marks another step in Pudu Robotics’ expansion from service delivery, commercial cleaning and industrial delivery into embodied intelligent robotics.

PUDU D7 is part of Pudu Robotics’ broader strategy to develop a portfolio of specialized, semi-humanoid and humanoid robots, building on its capabilities in embodied navigation, manipulation and interaction. This approach enables the company to address a broader range of applications across commercial and industrial environments.

Pudu Robotics will continue working with customers and partners worldwide to explore new applications for embodied intelligence and bring increasingly capable robots into real-world environments.

About Pudu Robotics

Pudu Robotics is a global leader in commercial service robotics and the industry’s first company to offer a full portfolio spanning specialized, semi-humanoid, and humanoid robots. According to Frost & Sullivan’s latest market report, Pudu Robotics ranks No. 1 globally in commercial service robotics by both revenue and shipment volume. Built on its One Brain, Multiple Embodiments architecture, Pudu offers robots for service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, and general embodied AI applications across hospitality, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, education, public services, and more. To date, Pudu Robotics has shipped over 130,000 robots to customers across 85+ countries and regions.

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SOURCE Pudu Robotics

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