The UK Government has released its prospectus on smart metering in the UK and has asked for views on the document to be returned to it before the end of October this year.
The prospectus states: "As we make the transition to a low carbon economy, smart meters have a vital role to play. Consumers will be given the information they need to fully understand and manage their energy consumption effectively, save money and reduce carbon emissions. This will be central to help tackle climate change and to deal with consumer concerns about the rising costs of energy.
In this technological age it is right that suppliers should be able to read and manage meters remotely. This will allow them to reform their processes – reducing costs and providing more streamlined customer service while at the same time fully safeguarding the data privacy of their customers.
Smart meters are also key to enabling smarter grids that permit more active management of the networks to support increased levels of renewable generation and electric vehicles.
This is a major programme which on any view will take several years to complete. It will involve visits to 27 million homes and changes that will have effects across the whole industry. To deliver the full benefits we will need not only the active support of industry but of a wide range of stakeholders. The programme represents a cornerstone of Government energy policy and ambitious targets will be needed to secure the benefits as quickly as possible.
The Government and the energy regulator are determined to implement the rollout faster than originally planned, because of the benefits it will bring to consumers and suppliers. We have therefore asked for responses to a number of consultation questions within two months, with a three month deadline for the remainder. We both welcome your engagement with this important programme and look forward to working together with all who have a role in implementing it. In these times of austerity it represents a major commitment of investment - we must ensure it achieves the many benefits it promises while ensuring a cost effective roll out of smart meters across Great Britain.”
Bglobal Metering supports the aim of a smart meter installed in every home and business in Britain as early as possible and will be responding in full to the prospectus.