Cameron Steel is an Associate Director and Chartered Electrical Engineer with over 25 years of experience in mechanical and electrical building services design, project management, and consultancy. His career spans sectors including education, residential, commercial, and most recently, decarbonisation, where his work supports the UK’s transition to low-carbon infrastructure.
Before entering consultancy, Cameron spent over 15 years as a practicing electrician, giving him a rare dual perspective on both the practical and strategic aspects of electrical systems. He is the lead author of the IET’s Guide to Prosumer Electrical Installations, and has contributed to numerous IET publications on energy efficiency, lighting, building automation, electrical maintenance, and electrified heat.
Prosumer Electrical Installations: Designing for a Two-Way Energy Future
As buildings evolve from passive consumers to active participants in the energy system, the concept of the Prosumer Electrical Installation (PEI) is becoming central to modern electrical design. At Solar & Storage Live UK, Cameron will explore the technical, regulatory, and operational considerations that define this new paradigm. It’s a concept that redefines how buildings interact with the grid.
Understanding the Prosumer Landscape
PEIs are installations that both consume and generate electricity, often incorporating solar PV, battery storage, and smart grid connectivity. Cameron will introduce the terminology and design philosophy behind PEIs, explaining how they differ from traditional installations and why they require a new approach to safety, control, and integration.
System Components and Integration
A typical PEI may include:
- Fixed low-voltage electrical installations in buildings
- Smart metering and grid connection interfaces
- On-site generation such as solar panels, wind turbines, or hydro systems
- Battery energy storage systems for load shifting and backup
- Energy management systems to optimise performance and respond to grid signals
Cameron will discuss how these components interact, and what designers must consider to ensure seamless integration and safe operation.
Safety and Compliance with BS 7671
PEIs introduce new risks, including bidirectional power flows, islanding, and dynamic load changes. Cameron will show how Chapter 82 of BS 7671 addresses these challenges, and what practitioners need to know to remain compliant while embracing innovation.
Operational Challenges and Energy Management
Managing a PEI requires more than just good design — it demands ongoing coordination between hardware, software, and user behaviour. Cameron is going explore:
- How energy management systems optimise generation and consumption
- The role of interfaces and controls in maintaining system stability
- Strategies for monitoring, fault detection, and maintenance
Which will provide attendees with a clear roadmap for designing and operating PEIs that are safe, efficient, and future-ready.
Join the Conversation
Cameron Steel’s session at Solar & Storage Live UK offers a deep dive into one of the most transformative concepts in modern electrical engineering. His insights will help designers, installers, and consultants navigate the shift toward decentralised, intelligent energy systems.
To register and explore the full programme, visit the Solar & Storage Live UK IET page.