Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016
535. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to consider introducing an opt-in provision for customers in the national smart metering programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15342/16]
View answerThe National Smart Metering Programme is managed by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Under the EU’s Third Energy Package, “where roll-out of smart meters is assessed positively, at least 80% of consumers shall be equipped with intelligent metering systems by 2020.”
Across Europe, the appraisal of smart metering has varied. In Ireland, a cost benefit analysis (CBA) is being developed by the CER. The CBA results (due in Q1 2017) will be the key determinant in the scale, scope and timing of the roll-out.
It should be noted that many existing electricity meters will require replacement in the coming years as they reach an end-of-life situation. Their replacement with smart meters represents a welcome modernisation of our metering infrastructure.
