Energy suppliers win four-year delay for smart meter rollout
Energy suppliers were given four more years to meet their obligation to offer smart meters to all homes in Britain today, as the roll-out lags behind the previous 2020 deadline.
The government said it was planning to implement “strict” new annual targets for suppliers until 2024. Missed targets could lead to fines, it added.
Read more: Government target ‘infeasible’ as smart meter rollout slows
The chief executive of Citizens Advice Gillian Guy today hailed the decision as a “common sense move”, which will be good for households up and down the country.
“It’s been clear for a long time that the 2020 deadline wouldn’t be met and today’s announcement finally recognises that reality,” she said.
Suppliers have for years been falling behind on the move to bring smart meters into British homes.
The devices can help track, and reduce energy use, saving customers money and reducing carbon emissions.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy today said that installing smart meters will save customers £5.6bn in energy bills, around £250 for every family.
Read more: Energy suppliers set to blow 2020 smart meter rollout deadline, predicts consumer group
Meanwhile it will drive down carbon emissions by 45m tonnes in Great Britain.
“Our energy system is already cheaper, greener and more efficient for consumers because of smart meters. Replacing traditional gas and electricity meters is a vital upgrade to our national energy infrastructure,” said Lord Duncan of Springbank, the minister for climate change.