(2) whether his Department plans to bring forward legislation to limit the percentage of the cost of smart meters that can be passed on to consumers; and if he will make a statement.
Last year the Government announced their intention to mandate smart metering for all households, with an indicative timetable for completion of the roll-out by the end of 2020.
We are currently consulting on our approach to key aspects of the roll-out of smart meters. Our final decisions will be followed by the detailed work required to prepare for the roll-out. As part of this work, a wide range of policy, technical and operational issues will need to be addressed. These will include the start-date for roll-out and determination of appropriate regulatory frameworks.
A substantial programme of work must be completed before the roll-out of smart meters begins. As part of this, a wide range of policy and operational issues needs to be addressed to maximise the benefits that all consumers can obtain from smart metering.
There is currently a price differential between prepayment and standard credit meters because of the additional costs of prepayment meters and the infrastructure required to support them. It is anticipated that these costs will be reduced by smart metering.
(2) whether any mechanism exists for energy companies to provide smart meters to customers who request one prior to their becoming available nationally; and if he will make a statement.
The provision of smart meters ahead of a Government-mandated roll-out is a matter for energy suppliers and their customers. Suppliers are obliged to measure gas and electricity through an approved meter, but there is no obligation to provide a “smart” meter.
Customers with existing “smart” meters will continue to be able to switch energy provider, however the metering services provided by the new supplier may be different.