To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of smart metering in (a) reducing carbon dioxide emissions and (b) improving efficiency in the UK electricity supply industry. (289364)

In May 2009 the Government published an Impact Assessment of the roll-out of smart metering alongside its consultation on smart metering. Both documents are available from the consultations section of the DECC website at:

www.decc.gov.uk

The impact assessment includes an assessment of the benefits of smart metering. The consultation closed in August and the Government are now considering the responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department plans to hold a consultation during 2009 on its plans to roll-out smart meters to all domestic customers. (289890)

The Government published a consultation on smart metering on 11 May 2009. It is available at the consultation section of the DECC website at:

www.decc.gov.uk

The consultation closed on 3 August. The Government are now considering responses and will respond to the consultation in due course.