Energy Watch: Government under pressure to name the date for smart meter roll-out

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Monday, 26, Nov 2007 12:00

On the eve of the first reading of the new Climate Change Bill, a group of all party MPs have today shown their support for the ‘Look Smart’ campaign by signing a parliamentary motion calling for smart energy meters to be installed in every household.

The MPs’ intervention increases the pressure on Government to turn its general support for smart meters into a firm mandate and clear delivery plan.

Welcoming the support for smart meters in the Prime Minister’s landmark speech on Climate Change, energywatch, the Energy Retail Association (ERA) and Utility Week have stressed that the lack of a clear delivery plan puts in jeopardy the roll out of 45 million meters within ten years.

Smart meters would deliver accurate households bills, enable consumers to monitor their energy consumption and remove the additional costs placed on pre-payment customers.

David Taylor MP, sponsor of the motion, said, "Smart energy meters represent the fairer, cheaper and environmentally progressive future for energy consumption in the UK that we all seek. Not only will smart meters transform the relationship between consumers and energy suppliers, energy in the home will be used more efficiently as a result, to the benefit of all."

Allan Asher, Chief Executive of energywatch said: “While energywatch is pleased to see that the Prime Minister is convinced of the merits of smart meters, they will not be in every home without a clear Government directive for their installation within ten years. The Government now needs to turn its expectation of smart meters into a reality”.

Duncan Sedgwick, Chief Executive of the ERA said: "We need the green light from the Government to roll out smart energy meters across the country. We want to get started but we can't have the vital discussions to deliver smart meters - because of legal constraints - until the Government gives us the formal mandate. Smart meters will revolutionise our industry and have huge benefits for all customers."

Steve Hobson, Editor of Utility Week said: "This is a once in a generation opportunity. The technology for smart metering has been available for over 20 years, but now is the time to act to ensure the energy industry and the Government work together to deliver this ambitious project."