Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted
Low smart meter coverage in suburban areas and hesitation among private renters
Conclusion
The Committee noted that some suburban areas, including the constituency of Richmond Park situated to the south-west of London, can have low coverage but have neither the characteristics of inner London nor rural or remote areas. The Department acknowledged that at 40% installation coverage, Richmond Park was below average (although it did not offer an explanation as to why this was the case).40 The Department said that in London more generally there is a much higher proportion of people in privately rented housing than in the rest of Great Britain. Tenants can be hesitant about having a smart meter installed because they are not sure they are allowed to. The Department’s understanding is that landlords are in support of having smart meters installed because accurate timely bills are less likely to lead to future problems.41
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation on low smart meter coverage in certain suburban areas, explaining that it proactively monitors geographic distribution, collects and publishes data, and has instigated local activities and deployed new technologies to address installation challenges and improve coverage.
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).