Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Accepted in Part
Set ambitious smart meter targets, including interim rollout and reliability for existing operational devices.
Recommendation
The Government must set ambitious new targets for smart meters by the end of this year, including interim rollout targets to 2030 and strict new targets for suppliers on the reliability of existing smart meters and a requirement that smart meters are operational, not simply installed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 85)
Government Response Summary
The government has opened a consultation on a new policy framework for 2026-2030, proposing that suppliers complete the smart meter rollout by 2030 and meet more stringent requirements to ensure meters are operational within 90 days. Responses to this consultation are currently being analysed, indicating a future commitment to new targets.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
As of the end of June 2025, almost 40 million smart and advanced meters have been installed in homes and small businesses across Great Britain, representing 69% of all energy meters nationwide. Of these, 91% were operating in ‘smart mode’ and sending automatic meter readings to consumers’ energy suppliers. Whilst the number of meters not operating in smart mode has been decreasing, the Government wants to go further and faster to reduce this and to ensure more households in all parts of Great Britain can enjoy the benefits of smart meters. Therefore, we are taking decisive and ambitious action. On 8 August 2025, the Department opened a consultation on a new policy framework for the smart meter rollout from 2026 that aims to deliver a step change in consumer experience. The framework proposes that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to complete the smart meter rollout by installing smart meters in remaining domestic premises by the end of 2030. While suppliers are already obligated under their licence conditions to take all reasonable steps to ensure their customers’ smart meters are functioning in smart mode, the consultation also included proposals for more stringent requirements for suppliers to take all reasonable steps to recover smart meters not operating in smart mode as soon as possible and no later than 90 days in both domestic and non-domestic premises. The consultation on the post-2025 policy framework closed on 3 October 2025, and responses are being analysed.