Government wants to speed up rollout of smart meters

The Government and energy regulator Ofgem have published proposals about how to delivery smart meters for electricity and gas.

A smart meter monitors the gas and electricity going into the home using real time sensors that can also provide data and notifications such as power outage and power quality.

Some homes in the UK have already been fitted with these devices, which generally send electricity readings every half hour and gas usage daily to the utility company via a mobile communications link.

The plan was to start ensuring every home in the country had a smart meter by 2020. Now the Government said it, and Ofgem, are determined to implement the rollout faster than originally planned, because of the benefits it will bring to consumers and suppliers.

However there are concerns about data privacy and security and consumer protection which the Government said will be discussed in the proposals.

The news was welcomed by consumer watchdog, Consumer Focus which called the news “a major step forward”.

Zoe McLeod, the organisation’s energy expert said: “We are delighted that the Government and Ofgem have made such smart moves in response to our campaigning on the measures needed to make smart meters work for consumers.

"The recognition that greater safeguards must be developed on consumer protection and privacy should also help to reassure any customers with concerns over this technology.

“However, the unanswered question on many consumers’ lips will remain how much this will cost them and whether they should be writing a blank cheque for smart meters given the cost benefits it will provide to industry.”