At npower we have been running trials of smart meters for over two years. These trials have looked at ways into improving pre-payment options, different time of day tariffs and how people would like to receive information, either through a portable display unit, a website - or even through the TV.
Smart meters have recently been in the news because Government have now released details of what is hopefully the final consultation phase. This asks, what is the best and most cost effective way of rolling-out smart meters? What sort of technology should be used? What sort of basic functions should smart meters have?
Government and energy suppliers both agree that 47 million smart meters should be fitted by 2020. We want to see a universal roll-out of smart meters as soon as possible as there will be numerous benefits for our customers and our business.
Depending on what is agreed in terms of the consultation we could start seeing large numbers of smart meters by 2011 - 2012. The size of the task ahead shouldn’t be underestimated for all energy suppliers – it will be one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Britain and one of the most challenging.
Find out more about smart metering from the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
