Head Office: +44 (0)1502 564892 headoffice@peoplewithenergy.co.uk
Orbis Energy Office: +44 (0)1502 509350 orbis@peoplewithenergy.co.uk
Phone Icon Email Icon Upload Icon

How Is the Smart Meter Rollout Progressing?

IoT & Tech, Utilities
Posted on: 03/07/2017
British Gas smart energy meter

The rollout of smart energy meters in the UK continues. It is estimated that around 53 million gas and electricity meters will be fitted in 30 million homes and small businesses in England, Wales and Scotland by 2020. So far around 7 million meters have been installed in what is one of the biggest national infrastructure projects for a lifetime.


What Are Smart Meters?


Smart meters are a new technology, designed to digitally send gas and electricity meter readings to your energy supplier. Each meter includes a home display, helping you to better understand how you use energy.


Why Are They Being Installed?


National governments were asked by the European Union to look at the installation of smart meters as one measure to help tackle climate change. Having conducted an initial study, the British government subsequently decided to adopt the meters.


What Are the Benefits of Smart Meters?


Smart meters will not only help to reduce emissions and tackle climate changes, but will also offer a range of other benefits, including:


  • Near real time information showing energy use in pounds and pence.
  • Improved management of energy use to reduce bills.
  • Provide bill payers with accurate bills and remove the need for estimated billing.


When Will My Smart Meter Be Installed?


Energy firms have been told that they must take ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure that the rollout of smart meters reaches all customers by 2020. However, the regulator Ofgem have raised concerns about the ‘unambitious’ approach some suppliers have shown to preparing and installing meters. Several are planning very high peak installations closer to the deadline, and Ofgem argue that this carries a high degree of risk. 


Is Everything on Track?


Of the 7 million meters installed to date, latest estimates predict that around 250,000 are not currently operating in smart mode. This is the result of technical issues, such as meters being unable to connect to the network or the homeowner switching to an energy supplier that cannot operate the meter in smart mode. Other problems have included:


  • Installations: Some suppliers have experienced problems installing meters in homes, while others have missed installation appointments.
  • In-Home Display (IHD): Some IHDs are not able to connect to the smart meter when it is too far away.
  • Solar Panels: Some energy firms are not currently installing meters are properties with solar panels and in other cases, meters have been unable to record the electricity generated by panels.


Recruiting for Smart Technology Career


The smart technology sector is one of the fastest growing and spans a wide range of industries; from energy to travel. At People with Energy, we have established ourselves as one of the country’s leading recruitment agencies in this sector and are always on the lookout for talented individuals capable of demonstrating the skills required for a career in smart technologies.


If you think you have the skills we are looking for, you can find all of the roles we are currently recruiting for in our Vacancies Database. You can also drop us a copy of your CV to cvs@peoplewithenergy.co.uk and one of our recruiters will contact you.