Seventy-Second Report - Update on the rollout of smart meters

The government agrees and will continue to publish annual geographic progress data (next in May 2024). They are also undertaking local activities with suppliers and local authorities to improve installation processes and are rolling out new communication technologies (dual band hubs, Alternative Home Area Network equipment) and developing others to address coverage and installation challenges.

The government agrees with the recommendation and states it has been implemented. It describes how DESNZ works closely with Smart Energy GB to evolve consumer engagement strategies and expects energy suppliers to innovate incentives to drive take-up, but does not specifically address the suggested policy changes like mandating smart meters in new builds or social housing.

The government agrees with the recommendation and sets a target implementation date of February 2025. It describes its ongoing data collection and evaluation programme, including recent published evidence on energy savings, and commits to designing a new phase of programme-wide evaluation and exploring additional data sources like the National Energy Efficiency Data framework.

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.

The government agrees and has published an independent evaluation in Summer 2023, which identified energy savings. They are also designing a new phase of program-wide evaluation and working on additional sources of evidence to supplement the existing data.

The government agrees, stating that Ofgem already considers consumer detriment, priority, and Net Zero obligations in its enforcement processes. They also expect energy suppliers to engage customers effectively and that this is factored into Ofgem's consideration of supplier performance against targets.

The government agrees and commits to sharing cost and benefit information for the smart metering rollout with Parliament annually. They have also defined the criteria for program closure and will share transition plans once matured.

The government describes existing efforts, stating that DESNZ has set Smart Energy GB statutory objectives for consumer engagement, and Smart Energy GB continuously evolves its multi-channel campaign strategy, focusing on different consumer segments and vulnerable circumstances to drive smart meter demand.

The government acknowledges the committee's observations on consumer benefits and uptake patterns, detailing its ongoing programme of data collection, monitoring, and evaluation of smart meter benefits, including for consumers experiencing barriers in the energy market, and plans for further evaluation.

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.

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.

The government agrees with the committee's observation and states it has already implemented measures through Smart Energy GB to build consumer demand and acceptance, evolving campaign strategies, and expects energy suppliers to invest in innovative incentives, claiming the recommendation is already implemented.

The government acknowledges the committee's findings regarding Ofgem's approach to missed smart meter targets, reiterating Ofgem's existing enforcement guidelines and plans to continue its considered approach to non-compliance, and stating that the department already considers supplier engagement in target setting.

The government acknowledges the committee's observation on market reforms and innovative smart meter technologies, outlining Smart Energy GB's statutory objectives and ongoing campaign strategy to build consumer demand and encourage behaviour change, alongside expectations for energy suppliers to develop innovative incentives.

The government acknowledges the committee's observation on non-functioning smart meters, agreeing that suppliers should monitor and maintain their metering estate, and highlighting the department's ongoing work to develop good practice, track performance, and Ofgem's role in regulating existing licence conditions. It also mentions seeking agreement on voluntary good practice for In Home Displays, without ruling out future regulation.

The government acknowledges the committee's observation on 4G communications hub replacement, stating that suppliers have an existing obligation to prevent loss of connection, and that the government is already facilitating and supporting suppliers in developing their replacement plans, which will culminate in detailed plans by 2026.

The government agrees to share matured plans for the smart metering programme's transition and closure with the Committee by Summer 2024, once major risks are managed and critical activities are transferred to an enduring operating state.