Case studies

2025

Leveraging smart meter technology to enhance elderly home safety: CLP Power’s Community Watch & Care Service Pilot Programme

As Hong Kong addresses the challenges posed by an ageing population, innovative solutions are essential to support ageing in place and reduce the burden on caregivers. CLP Power has taken a pioneering step by launching the Community Watch & Care Service Pilot Programme, which uses smart meter data to monitor electricity usage patterns and safeguard elderly residents.

CLP Power has launched the second phase of its Community Watch & Care Service Pilot Programme to support ageing in place policies and promote gerontechnology. The initiative uses smart meter data to monitor the electricity usage patterns of elderly residents, enabling social workers and carers to identify abnormal activity and provide timely assistance. Since its inception in June 2024, the programme has partnered with nine social welfare organisations and the Hong Kong Housing Society, offering innovative support to nearly 300 elderly individuals and families in need.

The first phase of the programme, which concluded in March 2025, demonstrated remarkable success. By analysing over 2,800 alerts generated by CLP Power’s data analytics system, social workers confirmed a 90% accuracy rate in detecting unusual activity among elderly participants. Building on this achievement, the second phase incorporated artificial intelligence to enhance precision, and expanded coverage to elderly couples and people with disabilities. This phase also brought in additional partners, including Caritas Hong Kong and The Salvation Army, aiming to benefit around 150 families.

This initiative exemplifies how technology can transform social care. By leveraging smart meters and AI, CLP Power provides continuous, non-intrusive monitoring that reduces the need for disruptive home visits while safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The programme not only aligns with government objectives but also fosters cross-sector collaboration, setting a benchmark for socially responsible innovation and creating a more compassionate, age-friendly city.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Mr Chris Sun attends the launch ceremony of CLP Power Community Watch & Care Service Pilot Programme with CLP Power’s leaders and representatives from participating organisations to officiate at the launch ceremony.