Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted
Significant geographical variations in smart meter coverage and installation rates
Recommendation
Smart meter coverage across Great Britain in 2023 varies by local authority from 5% in the Isles of Scilly to 69% in Chesterfield. Installation rates in London are only 43%, which the Department considered is due to the challenges of installing smart meters in a densely populated city, particularly in inner-London. The Department told us that technical issues have posed a problem when installing smart meters in blocks of flats (where it is more difficult to place meters and in-home displays in sufficient proximity to each other).35 The Department said progress has been made in resolving this issue and it was piloting a solution.36 However, the Department told us it was piloting this technology in only tens of properties (rather than tens of blocks of flats). It nevertheless expects that number to increase over time, subject to the outcome of the pilot, and particularly from the end of July.37 The Department also said that supplier recruitment of engineers in London is more difficult as installers cost more and are less available.38 Remote areas such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland also have lower coverage, as do some rural areas such as the Cotswolds.39
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation and states it has been implemented. It outlines ongoing efforts to monitor geographic progress and share data annually, instigate local activities to improve installations in challenging areas, and deploy new technologies like dual band communications hubs to address technical issues in premises like blocks of flats.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 The department proactively identified geographic distribution of the rollout as an area for further monitoring; collected and published data alongside the official statistics produced ahead of the original NAO report. This provided greater insight into areas where additional focus may be beneficial. The department will continue to share updated information on geographic progress annually through its official statistics publication covering meters installed and operating at the end of Quarter 1(end of March) of each year. The next publication is expected in May 2024. 3.3 The department has instigated local activities across domestic and non-domestic smart metering rollout, including working with suppliers and local authorities to improve the end-to- end appointment and installation process in local areas. This includes increasing our understanding and tackling of geographically-specific challenges and opportunities – including ensuring sufficient local installation capacity, solutions to parking constraints in local areas etc. 3.4 The deployment of dual band communications hubs and Alternative Home Area Network equipment addresses communications issues between smart metering equipment within premises and following successful trials this summer are now being rolled out at scale. Other technologies currently in development (for example, solutions that use consumer broadband) will improve effective coverage to premises and continue to increase the availability of smart meters to households and small businesses beyond the networks current 99.3% coverage. In addition, variant meters (for example those with ability to switch loads or support three phase supply) are being deployed to premises that require them. Industry is also working on solutions for installing smart meters where there may be insufficient space (for example, crowded meter rooms and cupboards).