Emmet Stagg
Ceist:56 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the smart metering project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16651/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 April 2010
Ceisteanna (21)
Freagraí scríofa
The Smart Metering Programme is a central component of the Government's strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand, deliver smart networks and enable greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. The harnessing of renewable energy and the development of micro generation and electric vehicles, is creating an utterly different supply and demand energy landscape. Smart metering systems are intrinsic to the transformation of the energy system. The integration of energy and ICT systems will deliver an energy network which looks a lot more like the Internet than a traditional grid. I have asked my Department to work with the Commission for Energy Regulation and ESB Networks to explore the synergies between the national electric vehicle programme and the smart meter programme.
The current pilot phase of the smart meter programme, is underway as planned. The technology trials are continuing to test a number of advanced metering systems and their associated IT and communications infrastructure. The Customer Behaviour trials are determining the potential of smart meters to achieve measurable change in consumer behaviour. In a new development, the potential for a Smart Metering Prepayment Model, similar to the "Pay As You Go" mobile telecommunications arrangements, is now being assessed by the Smart Metering Steering Group for use in both electricity and gas. A prepayment pilot is now under way with ESB Customer Supply staff in advance of a trial with ESB Customer Supply customers, which is expected to get underway next month.
The electricity element of the pilot phase went "Live" in January of this year and will be completed at the end of December 2010. The electricity technology trial is examining metering functionality and supporting information and communications systems. Up to 5,000 meters have been deployed to accommodate technology testing in Limerick/Ennis, Cork City/Bandon and South Dublin/Wicklow. Significant progress has also been made in the gas element of the pilot phase. Over 1,900 meters have been deployed for Gas Customer Behaviour Trials. A further 750 meters will accommodate Gas Technology Trials. The benchmarking period for the gas element of the Customer Behaviour Trial commenced in December 2009 and will continue until end May 2010. The gas customer behaviour and technology gas trials will "Go Live" in June and will continue until end May 2011.
A key component of the smart meter pilot is the associated cost benefit analysis, which will critically inform future decisions. An interim analysis will be completed this year with the final analysis, to include the results of the gas trials, to be completed by mid 2011. Smart Metering is now seen at European Union level as a critical dimension of energy demand management in the interests of consumers and businesses. I am pleased to say that Ireland is to the forefront among Member States in making real progress on the smart meter agenda.