Energy suppliers may have to submit revised smart meter plans

Energy suppliers may be required to submit revised smart meter rollout plans in January next year. That’s one of Ofgem’s proposed amendments for regulating large energy suppliers with respect to […]

Energy suppliers may be required to submit revised smart meter rollout plans in January next year.

That’s one of Ofgem’s proposed amendments for regulating large energy suppliers with respect to their smart meter rollout plans.

The UK Government has set a target to install smart meters in homes and businesses across the UK by the end of 2020.

Large energy companies – that supply more than 250,000 customers with gas and electricity – are required to submit binding annual milestones for the installation of smart meters.

In an open letter, Ofgem states supplier will have to submit revised plans and milestones “where new evidence exists that will or could have a material effect on previously submitted annual milestones or the assumed completion rate”.

Under the regulator’s proposals, suppliers must also take “all reasonable steps” to ensure smart meters are installed on or before 31st December 2020 in every domestic and business property.

While smaller suppliers are required to submit their rollout plans, they don’t have any binding annual targets. Although Ofgem hasn’t proposed any changes at this stage, it could consider “further use of our powers to direct roll out plans (with binding annual milestones) from smaller suppliers should we later consider necessary”.

Rob Salter-Church, Partner, Consumers and Competition at Ofgem said: “We are committed to the smart meter programme and want consumers to enjoy the benefits from smart metering as early as possible. Supplier planning is key to the success of this programme and we consider that this is best achieved through effective use of our powers of direction to ensure that suppliers remain focused through to 2020.”

Ofgem is seeking views on the proposals until 15th February.

Latest Podcast