Fix for ‘dumb’ smart meters delayed by six months
Millions of devices may have to be replaced after ‘embarrassing’ setback for Government’s roll-out
AN UPGRADE to stop 12million smart meters “going dumb” is expected to be delayed by six months in what has been described as an “embarrassing setback” for the national roll-out.
From the end of the month, so-called “first generation” smart meters were due to be moved on to a new network which lets them retain their smart functionality when households switch to a better deal.
But yesterday, the Government’s smart meter network suggested to energy suppliers that devices in people’s homes would not receive the upgrade until at least May next year, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.
It is thought that the delay is due to technical problems with upgrading the meters’ software, which could mean millions of the devices will have to be replaced if left unresolved, experts said.
At present around half of energy customers with a smart meter who switch provider to reduce their bills find the devices “go dumb”, meaning they do not send meter readings to suppliers or display usage in pounds and pence.
Around a million, or one in 10 smart energy meters installed in Britain, are operating in dumb mode, according to a report by MPS. Last night consumer experts raised fears that up to 12 million old-style smart meters installed in households across the UK may have to be replaced if they cannot be upgraded, potentially adding billions to the cost of the Government’s £11billion roll-out.
News of the delay comes a week ahead of a new National Audit Office report, which one Government source said contained “meaty criticism” of its part in fitting every home in the UK with a smart meter.
Richard Neudegg, head of regulation at uswitch.com, said: “If this delay is confirmed it will prolong the frustration of millions of households who have had a smart meter installed only to discover that the smart functionality won’t work if they switch supplier.
“A delay would be yet another embarrassing setback for the smart meter installation programme.
“It’s time for the Government and the DCC to be clear about whether these first-generation meters can ever be upgraded to work with the central communications infrastructure and be compatible with every energy company, as well as setting out a realistic timetable for this to happen. The consequence if not is that as many as 11 million may need to be replaced for households to get the full benefits of smart meters.”
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has always maintained that first-generation smart meters will be able to be upgraded onto the so-called “Data Communications Company” network.
A BEIS spokesman said: “This will be completed by the end of 2020 to ensure all devices stay smart when switching.”