Ryan Launches National Smart Metering Plan

On Tuesday, Energy Minister Eamon Ryan launched the National Smart Meter plan.

Over 60,000 ESB customers will now be sent letters inviting them to take part in the first phase of the national roll-out of smart meters.

The Minister said that the national smart metering initiative was a key commitment under the Programme for Government and was crucial to Ireland's policy to save energy and money through the use of this cutting-edge technology.

Up to 21,000 electricity customers will get a Smart Meter installed in their home for free as they participate in the behavioural and technology trial to inform the national roll-out.

Smart meters are the next generation of electricity metres.

They monitor and record the electricity used by the householder and when it is used.

This data is communicated directly to the electricity supply company.

The smart metres involved in this trial are not just the latest technology for the metres themselves but also involve the development of a highly sophisticated communications systems at the supplier end.

By capturing the patterns of energy usage at different times of the day, Smart Meters provide the information necessary to make people aware of how much energy they are using.

Meters will be read every half hour or 48 reads per meter per day.

This will help in providing very accurate billing information and time-of-use pricing.

The electricity supplier will also be able to ultimately reduce costs, improve electricity planning and system management and enhance competition in the electricity sector.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has been charged with leading the implementation of the project, which involves a range of stakeholders from the energy sector.

At the launch Minister Ryan highlighted the technically challenging and ambitious nature of this project: "With this Smart Metering plan, Ireland is leading the world. I wish to commend all the agencies and companies who are part of this plan.

"I will work to ensure that all Irish homes have smart meters over the next four/five years. This trial phase is crucial in the ultimate successful delivery of this project.

"I would urge all customers who receive a request to participate in this trial to become involved.

"When customers realise how much they can save and the carbon reductions that ensue I believe they will find smart meters one of the smartest devices ever installed in their homes.

"Through participating, individual consumers will have an opportunity to make a real contribution to our energy future.

"Being 'energy clever' as a consumer, a supply company and a nation is one of ways we can meet our energy and climate change challenges," he concluded.

Dermot Nolan from the Commissioner for Energy Regulation said: "This is an important step in the process of enabling consumers to use energy more efficiently and effectively. 

"It should lead to signficiant savings as well as empowering consumers to have more information and control about their energy consumption."

ESB's Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, described this as "a very significant milestone in the plan to introduce Smart Metering to all electricity customers.

"Smart Metering will enable customers to carefully manage their electricity consumption. It is the first step in the development of a smart and sustainable electricity network for Ireland," he added.