Hosted by Ed Jones, Co-Founder of Metpow, the discussion brought together two operators who have already implemented the system in their parks: Rhiannon Hughes of Ladies Mile Holiday Park and Guy Hibbert of Concierge Camping. Together they shared real-world experiences of how smart metering technology is transforming the way parks manage energy.

A fairer approach to energy

One of the biggest challenges facing park operators is balancing operational costs with guest expectations. Traditionally, electricity has often been included in pitch fees as a flat rate, meaning guests who use very little energy effectively subsidise those who use far more.

Smart metering offers a different model; one based on fairness and transparency.

As Ed Jones explained: “Smart metering moves people away from using an unlimited amount of power. It gives you a way of remotely monitoring the amount of energy people are using at your site and being able to recoup that back.”

By allowing guests to see their own energy consumption in real time, parks can introduce systems where visitors pay only for what they actually use.

Changing behaviour and reducing costs

One of the most striking outcomes discussed in the session was the immediate reduction in electricity consumption after metering systems were introduced. When guests are able to monitor their usage, small behavioural changes naturally follow.

Guy Hibbert shared how the system transformed energy management at Concierge Camping: “We wanted to find a fair way of pricing,” he said. “We either had to put the price up for everybody or make it fairer and level the playing field.”

The results were significant. Despite expanding the site by a fifth, the park managed to reduce its energy costs by around 25%: “People’s mindset has changed slightly,” Hibbert explained. “And that has reduced our electricity.”

Supporting sustainability goals

Beyond cost control, smart metering is also becoming an important tool in helping parks meet sustainability targets and demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Guests are increasingly aware of energy consumption and appreciate businesses that are transparent about how resources are used. Providing access to usage data through QR codes or apps helps build trust and encourages visitors to take a more mindful approach to energy.

The technology also helps operators tackle emerging challenges such as unauthorised electric vehicle charging, which can cause unexpected spikes in electricity usage.

Smarter operations for the future

The session also highlighted operational benefits for park teams. Automated payments remove the need for manual meter readings or chasing unpaid electricity bills, while real-time data allows managers to monitor consumption across the site and prevent grid overloads.

Ultimately, the message from the panel was clear: smart metering isn’t about penalising guests, it’s about creating a fairer, more efficient system that benefits both operators and visitors.

As energy costs continue to evolve, tools that improve transparency, reduce waste and support sustainable operations are likely to become an essential part of the modern holiday park experience.

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