Electricity Transmission Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019

Tuesday, 12 February 2019

Ceisteanna (581)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

581. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the breakdown of the allocation in 2019 for the national smart energy metering programme; the date in 2019 the programme will be rolled out; if this will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he has been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6790/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Smart Meter Upgrade is being implemented through a phased approach. Phase one of the upgrade will commence in Q3 2019 with 250,000 smart-ready meters to be rolled out by the end of 2020. A further 1 million meters will be rolled out in phase two by the end of 2022 and the rollout of remaining meters will be concluded by end of 2024.

The Smart Meter Upgrade is not funded from the Exchequer. Its costs will be included in the costs of distribution networks in the same way as all other electricity infrastructure investments are paid for and subject to approval by the energy regulator.