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Energy: Meters

Volume 711: debated on Monday 1 June 2009

Question

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government how the new agency created to manage Smart meters will ensure the security of personal data. [HL3702]

The Government published a consultation on smart metering on 11 May 2009 (available on the open consultations section of the DECC website). The consultation document sets out the Government's preference for delivery model under which suppliers would procure and install smart meters and a national communications network would be put in place to support smart meter communications. Final decisions on the delivery model will be taken once the consultation is complete.

The consultation document also includes discussion of the preparation programme that will be needed before the roll out of smart meters can begin. Data access and data protection will be considered as part of that programme. Privacy impact assessments and Data Protection Act compliance checks will be required at appropriate stages of the project, and the detailed design and delivery of the project as a whole will be taken forward in consultation with the Ministry of Justice and the Information Commissioner as appropriate.