Page 8 - Gi flipbook March 2018

NEWS | GOVERNMENT

‘First generation’ smart meters

which hinder switching could

be installed for another year

ENERGY SUPPLIERS
COULD be allowed to
continue installing the
first generation of smart
meters for more than a
year despite questions over
their compatibility, the
government has hinted.
Almost eight million
smart meters, which come
with an interactive display
allowing customers to track
their energy use, have been
installed in British homes.
But problems with the first
batch of meters – known as
SMETS I – mean that some
lose their smart functionality
when consumers switch
energy supplier.
Some energy companies
have already begun installing
an upgraded version, SMETS First generation smart
II, which the government meters have limitations
insists will fix the issue –
but The Telegraph reports Fellow Big Six supplier SSE Users have questioned installations would be
that thousands of homes is not currently installing whether having a real-time capped at 70 per cent of
could still be given an old SMETS II meters, but plans display will really cause the number installed in the
meter, even after the new to in the coming months. someone to change the way third quarter of this year.
ones are available. The consultation papers they use energy. Others He added: “The
Consultation papers, say SMETS II meters will have raised concerns over government is ensuring
published by the retain their functionality when the security of the data the move to second
Department for Business, consumers change suppliers, and the potential risk of generation smart meters
Energy and Industrial and that they deliver fire, although Smart Energy happens as quickly and
Strategy (BEIS), suggest other additional benefits, GB, the body tasked with smoothly as possible.
that the original July 2018 including “data access promoting the rollout, “There has been no
deadline for switching to for third parties”. A BEIS insists neither of these are change to the July 2018
SMETS II installations could spokesman said this could a major issue. deadline for first generation
be extended by six months. include “energy services The relaxed deadline is meter installations. We’re
This could mean hundreds companies and comparison necessary, the consultation consulting on proposals
of thousands of additional sites”, but customer argues, to allow for that will allow suppliers
first-generation meters consent would be required. potential delays in the who can meet strict criteria,
being installed in homes. The £11 billion smart testing of SMETS II meters to avoid costs that might
Some energy insiders have meter rollout, in which and the fact energy otherwise be passed on to
claimed these will later need every household will be suppliers may need to order consumers.
to be physically replaced, offered one by 2020, the first-generation meters “We remain committed to
but the government has has come in for criticism as much as nine months a smart meter being offered
repeatedly insisted this will with academic studies before the cut-off date. to every home and small
not be necessary. suggesting it will only cause A spokesman for BEIS business by the end of
British Gas confirmed it is a reduction in energy use of said suppliers would have 2020, allowing customers
already installing SMETS II only three per cent. to provide a legitimate to take greater control of
meters in a small number of The push has also come reason for installing their energy consumption
homes and will widen the up against a general lack of SMETS I meters after the and putting an end to
programme early next year. interest from the public. deadline, and subsequent estimated bills.” ■

8

News.indd 3 15/02/2018 14:25