Ofgem no longer responsible for smart meter rollout, says UK Government

UK energy regulator Ofgem is no longer going to be responsible for the nationwide rollout of smart meters, according to an open letter from Energy Minister Charles Hendry and chair of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority Lord Mogg.

Instead, the Department of Energy and Climate Change will now take on responsibility for managing the implementation of the programme.

The previous administration set an ambitious target of rolling out smart meters to all homes across the UK by 2017 and the current Coalition has maintained this pledge, even asking the industry to consider whether it could be accomplished any faster.

Under the new arrangements, Ofgem will continue to be involved in the development and implementation of the necessary regulatory arrangements, including the establishment of a Data Comms Company (DCC) to oversee the communications side of the rollout and protection of consumers’ interests.

The letter adds that the Government has seen a “very strong appetite in the marketplace” from companies wanting to become the DCC or a service provider to it.

The Government says it has also received a great deal of support during consultation on its smart metering plans for the establishment of a code of practice to cover the installation of smart meters in consumers’ homes.

The letter promises publication of the Government’s response to the consultation on its plans early in the new year and conclusions on the next steps to be taken.

For further information:
www.decc.gov.uk
www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/What%20we%20do/Supporting%20consumers/Smart%20energy%20meters/1012-joint-decc-and-ofgem-open-letter-on-smart-metering.pdf
www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/consumers/smart_meters/smart_meters.aspx
www.ofgem.gov.uk/
www.gls.gov.uk/about/departments/ofgem.htm

13 December 2010

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