Murphy launches consultation on smart electricity meters design plan
Date published:
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today launched a consultation on the design plan for the roll-out of smart electricity meters.
Smart electricity meters allow households and businesses to monitor and control their energy use. The Department is seeking to determine views on how the roll-out should be managed to ensure it is consumer-focused, and to seek views on which organisations are best placed to lead the roll-out of smart meters.
Minister Murphy said:
“Smart meters give consumers better control of their electricity use by providing them with real time information. This allows them to make informed decisions about how and when they use electricity. Smart meters also eliminate the need for energy companies to estimate bills and they allow the network to be managed more efficiently which reduces costs and lowers carbon emissions.”
“My Department is committed to completing the design plan for the roll-out of smart meters with the principle that consumers must be front and centre of its design, and they must be supported throughout its delivery. Creating a digitalised energy system is a key objective of the NI Energy Strategy and will play a central role in delivering a just and sustainable energy transition.”
In conclusion, the Minister said:
“Delivery of the smart meters system will not only reduce our carbon emissions but has the potential to boost our green economy by creating good, highly skilled jobs across the region. I would encourage all consumers, and those interested in the energy sector to have their say. It’s vital we hear from all interested parties to ensure the design plan is robust and meets the demands of consumers.”
Further information on the consultation paper and research report, can be found on the Department's website.
If you wish to submit a response for the Department to consider, there is a facility to do this on Citizen Space. If this is not possible, responses can also be accepted by email. Please send to wholesaleelectricitynetworks@economy-ni.gov.uk. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 12th December 2024.
Notes to editors:
- The purpose of the consultation is to allow organisations and individuals to comment on the Department’s plans for the roll-out of the system. The plan covers roles and responsibilities, the co-design process for agreeing system functionality, plans for consumer engagement and education campaigns, the importance of cyber security and the role of data management.
- Further information on the smart electricity meters consultation paper can be found on the Department's website.
- The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 12th December 2024.
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