Smart Meters Bill
On 18th October 2017, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) announced that by the end of 2020, every home and small business in Great Britain will be offered a smart meter.
First announced in the Queen's Speech, the Smart Meters Bill aims to save consumers billions of pounds and contains measures to ensure consumers get the most out of their smart meters, helping the government act on the results of any findings made after 2020 that could improve the experience for consumers and small businesses.
In the unlikely event that the company running the national smart meters communications infrastructure, currently the Smart Data and Communications Company, were to become insolvent, the legislation aims to ensure consumer protection. This will bring the programme in line with other utilities such as water and energy network companies.
Energy Minister Richard Harrington said:
"The roll-out of smart meters continues at pace with almost 7.7 million already operating in Great Britain and nearly 350,000 being installed every month, bringing an end to estimated bills and helping people to save energy and money.
"Every home and small business will be offered a smart meter by the end of 2020. The Bill published today will ensure consumers continue to get the most from their smart meters once installed, during and beyond the roll-out."
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