Recommendation 21

The Department also estimates that 7 million communications hubs (a modular component of the smart meter set) will need to be replaced in the South and Central regions ahead of 2033, when 2G and 3G communications networks are closed. These will be replaced with an equivalent module which communicates using the 4G network.67 The Department told us that it considers this replacement exercise will cost ‘about’ £2 for each household.68 However, Citizens Advice indicate these costs may be very significant and ultimately borne by consumers or taxpayers.69 The future of the Programme