ESB Networks has announced that it has successfully installed over two million smart meters in homes, farms and businesses across every county in Ireland.
More than four out of five households across the country now have a smart meter installed. The roll out is continuing and has expanded to include the upgrade of three-phase whole current meters, thereby ensuring these customers will also have access to the benefits of smart meters.
Smart meters allow customers to see detailed information and insights into their energy use directly through the ESB Networks Online Account. This can help customers use electricity more efficiently, reduce consumption and to choose a suitable smart meter tariff from suppliers. To date, a significant number of customers have registered for the ESB Networks Online Account with over one million views of the ‘energy consumption’ service on the platform.
Other benefits include access to the microgeneration scheme with currently over 140,000 customers with smart meters who generate their own electricity (e.g. solar panels) receiving payments for any excess electricity they sell back to the network. In addition, smart meters reduce the need for estimated bills and will improve network services to customers in areas through fault monitoring and the prioritisation of system improvements nationally, the Smart-Pay-As-You-Go service, and supporting energy demand flexibility.
Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, commented: “To reach over two million smart meter installs across the country demonstrates what a success the National Smart Metering Programme has been. Now, people are starting to really see the benefits. Smart meters provide individuals with more information, giving them more control over their usage and ultimately, electricity costs. As the rollout continues, I commend ESB Networks for their delivery. A smart meter in every home and business in the country will help us to meet our climate targets while empowering all across society to be a part of the country’s clean energy transition.”
Commenting, Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director, ESB Networks, said: “We are really proud of the progress of the National Smart Metering Programme and reaching the milestone of over two million smart meters installed. I would like to thank all of our customers for their patience and for accommodating the installation process. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge all of our teams and contractor partners who have helped to get us to this significant stage, along with the many stakeholders who are involved in this key national infrastructure programme. With a smart meter, customers can take more control of their electricity usage, and we are increasingly seeing customers sign up to their ESB Networks Online Account.
“This positive change empowers customers to choose the best tariff for their home by using their actual meter data on price comparison websites, making it easier to get accurate advice on which is the best tariff for them. Smart metering is also a vital component of our Networks for Net Zero Strategy that is enabling a smarter, low carbon electricity network which will ultimately benefit all customers and help support the delivery of national climate targets.”
Commissioner Jim Gannon, Chairperson Commission for Regulation of Utilities, said: “The successful rollout of the meter replacement programme now gives smart meter customers access to more information about their consumption, either through supplier platforms or through the ESB Networks online account. This empowers active customers to feel the full benefits that smart meters can bring. Ultimately, customers can use the information that smart meters provide to understand and reduce their electricity use. Customers can also choose a suitable smart meter tariff from their supplier, allowing them to have more control over their electricity costs.
“The growth in the number of customers either accessing their usage data or moving to a Time of Use Tariff continues to trend positively, with suppliers now offering more competitive and better value than standard tariffs, reflecting the benefits to customers. CRU continues to incentivise the final phases of the smart meter rollout, and is committed to working with ESB Networks, suppliers and customers to move from initial deployment to driving value for all from the smart meters now in place.”
Going forward, ESB Networks will have an ongoing requirement to maintain and upgrade the smart technology platform which includes systems, processes and meters. As such, there is a continued programme of work aimed at improving the performance and resilience of smart meter technology.
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