Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
140. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the roll-out of smart meters in Ireland; if it is a requirement now to have one in order to install solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3053/24]
View answerThe National Smart Metering Programme is overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks carrying out the phased roll out of meters on the ground. It involves the installation of up to 2.4 million smart meters by 2025 and facilitates new smart energy products and services for energy consumers, including export tariffs for microgenerators.
As of 12th January, 1,579,128 smart meters have been installed as part of the rollout. With this volume of smart meters already installed Ireland has now achieved a critical mass.
The phased rollout of smart meters initially targeted the biggest cohort of consumers: households with single-phase 24-hour register meters (MCC01). However, since September 2023, exchanges have also been taking place for MCC02 customers (day/night meters) and MCC03 meters with no Night Storage Heating load.
The next step is to ensure that we maximise the benefits of this critical public infrastructure for consumers and for the resilience of our energy system as we accelerate its decarbonisation.
There is no requirement for households to have a smart meter in order to install solar panels. However, households with solar PV who are currently eligible for a smart meter exchange, such as 24-hour and Day/Night register meters, will require a smart meter to avail of micro-generation export payments through the clean export guarantee (CEG). This follows the CRU’s decision paper which outlines arrangements for implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. Customers with micro-generation capacity and without a smart meter may be able to avail of the CEG if they have a meter type which is not currently eligible for smart meter installation. Under these conditions a deemed quantity will be calculated by the ESBN, using the formula outlined in the CRU’s interim CEG decision paper.
