European Smart Metering Forum

Dr Manuel Sánchez Jiménez

Program Manager for Smart Grids, Directorate General for Energy, European Commission

Biography

He joined the Commission in 1996 as a Project Officer within the Renewable Energies Unit in Directorate General for Research. During twelve years he coordinated the areas of "Integration of Renewable Energies" and "Smart Energy Networks" and launched the European Technology Platform "Smart Grids" in 2006. From 2007 to 2008 he has set up a new sector for "Information and Communication Technologies solutions for Energy Efficiency" at the Directorate General for the Information Society and Media. Since 2009 he is the Policy Officer for Smart Grids at the Directorate General for Energy. He launched the European Task Force for Smart Grids in November 2009 and presently chairs the Commission's Reference Group for Smart Grids. He holds degrees of Engineering (University of Seville, Spain) and Dr.-Ing. (University Kassel, Germany). Before his arrival at the Commission, he was the Director of the Plataforma Solar de Almería of the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Energy, the largest solar test centre in Europe.

Gunnar Hoffmann

Manager of Technology, Corporate Research & Development, RWE

Biography

From 2000 to 2005 I studied mechanical engineering and computer science at the University of Freiberg.

Afterwards I started at RWE Power within the department 'Hard coal and gas fired power stations' with the focal point being on the further development and optimisation of business processes as well as operation management systems.

Since the end of 2008 I have been engaged in the corporate research and development department at RWE AG with the emphasis being on conventional power plant technology, decentralised energy supply and Smart Energy. Besides the analysis of economic potential, a major task is to work out strategies for the purposeful usage of IT solutions.

In parallel to my current job I have completed a doctoral degree in computer science.

Phil Hack

Head of Smart Metering Programme, UK Power Networks

Biography

Phil Hack has over 24 years experience in the electricity industry, from both an operational and non-operational perspective. He has been responsible for developing and implementing transformational strategies including new operating models and cost reduction programmes.

Phil joined UK Power Networks in 1987 as an apprentice, he is now responsible for developing UK Power Networks strategy for the GB Smart Metering Programme, this includes both the interface with the three electricity distribution networks it operates in London, East of England and the South East and the investment opportunity in financing and deploying smart meters on behalf of energy suppliers.

"The measure of success for smart metering deployment, is that we knock on the door, the customer understands why we are there, allows us to install the smart meters and is delighted with the experience"

Phil recognises that this is easy to say and is extremely difficult to deliver!

Paulo Líbano Monteiro

Board Advisor, EDP Distribuição

Biography

Paulo Líbano Monteiro is a Board Advisor of EDP Distribuição, the Portuguese national distribution grid operator. He currently heads the development of the InovGrid solution, the smart grids initiative that implemented the first smart city in Portugal: InovCity Évora. Prior to this, Paulo worked as a senior consultant, managing several projects in the utilities, transport and telecommunication sectors. He created and served as a member of the board of the company managing telephone number portability in Portugal. Paulo started his career at INESC, a research center for electronics and computer science.

Paulo holds a master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering (IST, Portugal).

Edmund Barrett

Project Manager, Smart Homes, RWE Energy

Biography

Studied BA (Hons) International Business Studies with German at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, EnglandBegan career as a temp dealing with Customer Relations at npower Limited in EnglandJoined graduate scheme at npower limited, carrying out placements in Business Contract Renewals, Change Process, IS and Social products.Worked for 3 years in Product Development in the Energy Services department for npower Limited, creating product propositions which qualified for the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (previously EEC).

Moved to Germany and began working for RWE Effizienz GmbH in Dortmund. Has been active in the role of developing foreign markets for RWE SmartHome just over one year.