Simon Kirby – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Energy and Climate Change

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Simon Kirby on 2014-04-09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps he is taking to encourage the use of smart meters; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker

The Government’s vision is for every home and smaller businesses in Great Britain to have smart electricity and gas meters by the end of 2020. In December 2012, the Department published the smart meter Consumer Engagement Strategy which sets out the approach to how domestic and non-domestic consumers will be encouraged to use smart meters to take control of their energy – helping them to save energy and money.

Energy suppliers will have the primary consumer engagement role as they are the main interface with consumers before, during and after installation. Supplier engagement will be supported by a programme of centralised engagement undertaken by a Central Delivery Body (CDB), which the larger energy suppliers were required to set up in June 2013.

The Department also has a continuing role in consumer engagement. For example, we are working with stakeholders, such as third-sector organisations, in engaging consumers, and ensuring that accurate information on smart meters is available online.