Government plans for smart meters rollout published

The Government’s plans for the national rollout of smart meters has been published.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has set out the overall strategy and timetable for the installation of 53 million smart meters in 30 million homes and businesses across Great Britain, estimated to have a net benefit to the nation of £7.3bn over the next 20 years.

Smart meters will deliver a range of benefits to consumers, energy suppliers and networks. Consumers will have real time information on their energy consumption to help them control energy use, save money and reduce emissions. By 2020, the average consumer (with both electricity and gas) could save around £23 per year on their energy bill. Estimated billing will also end.

Also, suppliers will have access to accurate data for billing, allowing them to improve their customer service and reduce costs and energy networks will have better information with which to manage and plan current activities as well as the move towards smart grids to support sustainable energy supplies.

The rollout of smart meters will take place in two phases. During the foundation stage, beginning now, the Government will work with industry, consumer groups and other stakeholders to ensure all the necessary groundwork is done for the second stage, the mass rollout.

It will enable the industry to build and test all the systems required to start the mass rollout, ensuring positive consumer engagement and delivering energy saving benefits. It will also enable the companies to test and learn what works best for consumers, and how to help people get the best from their meters.

The Government expects the mass rollout to start in early 2014 and be completed in 2019.

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne said: "Smart meters are a key part of giving us all more control over how we use energy at home and at work, helping us to cut out waste and save money."

Further information:
DECC