Committees

Smart meters - follow-up

Inquiry

Background

The mass roll-out of smart meters is due to start in late 2015. By the end of 2020, energy suppliers must replace some 53 million existing electricity and gas meters in homes and small businesses across Great Britain. The new smart meters are intended to help consumers manage and reduce their energy consumption and reduce the costs of supplying and delivering their energy. The Department of Energy & Climate Change (the Department) estimates the Smart Meters Programme (the Programme) will cost £10.9 billion and bring economic benefits of £17.1 billion, adding an average of £6 a year to consumer bills in 2015, but subsequently delivering savings which will average £43 a year by 2030.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change produced a progress update report for the Committee in March 2014 on the Smart Metering implementation programme and how it has addressed the Committee’s January 2012 recommendations. This follow-up inquiry will allow the Committee to explore progress on the Programme and risks to its successful delivery. There are risks to readiness for the start of roll-out and the ability to install meters in all homes, the costs of the Programme, and whether consumers will make savings in the long-term.

Relevant information

Reports, special reports and government responses

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12th Report - Update on preparations for smart metering
Inquiry Smart meters - follow-up
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HC 103
Report
Response to this report
Update on preparations on smart metering: Government response to the Committee's Twelfth Report of Session 2014-15
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CM 8958
Government Response
Response to this report
Smart metering: Government response to the Committee's Twelfth Report of Session 2014-15
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CM 8958
Government Response
Response to this report
2nd Special Report - Update on Preparations for Smart Metering: Ofgem’s Response to the Committee's 12th Report of Session 2014-15
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HC 875
Special Report
2nd Special Report - Update on Preparations for Smart Metering: Ofgem’s Response to the Committee's 12th Report of Session 2014-15
Inquiry Smart meters - follow-up
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HC 875
Special Report

Oral evidence transcripts

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9 June 2014
Inquiry Smart meters - follow-up
Witnesses Stephen Lovegrove, Permanent Secretary, Department of Energy and Climate Change, Daron Walker, Senior Responsible Officer, DECC, and Dermot Nolan, Chief Executive, Ofgem
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Oral Evidence

Written evidence

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Department of Energy and Climate Change (SMA0006)
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Department of Energy and Climate Change (SMA0005)
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Opower (SMA0007)
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Other publications

Government Responses
The Government has undertaken to respond to most committee reports within two months, although there are exceptions to this rule.
2 published

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