Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted
Solutions being explored for smart meter 'not-spots' in hundreds of thousands of homes
Conclusion
The Department told us that the Data and Communications Company, the central communications and data platform that provides the network ecosystem for smart meters, is looking into options for ‘not-spots’ which the Department considers applies to only 0.75% of homes.42 These ‘few hundred thousand homes’ sit outside the ‘wide area network’ of coverage across Great Britain for smart meters.43 The Department said that one solution the Data and Communications Company is considering involves piggybacking on a 33 Qq 113, 120 34 Correspondence submitted by CEO, Smart Energy GB dated 30 June 2023 35 Q 85; C&AG’s Report, para 1.8, Figure 7 36 Qq 58–59, 85 37 Q 59; C&AG’s Report, para 1.20 38 Qq 87–88; C&AG’s Report, para 1.8 39 Qq 57, 85; C&AG’s Report, para 1.8, Figure 7 40 Q 86 41 Q 87 42 Qq 57, 110 43 Q 57 Update on the rollout of smart meters 13 consumer’s home broadband service. However, the Department advised that this solution will take some time to develop, and is one of a number of solutions being considered.44 Regulatory approach
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation regarding 'not-spots' and claims the recommendation is implemented, stating it proactively identified this for monitoring, publishes data, instigates local activities, and is deploying dual-band communications hubs and other technologies to 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).