Written question asked by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 7 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 November 2008. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 November 2008 on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Energy: Meters

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will put in place a deadline for the compulsory roll-out of smart energy meters to homes and businesses.

Answer: [holding answer 12 November 2008]: The Government announced on 28 October its plans to roll-out smart meters to all domestic customers Official Report, House of Lords, 28 October 2008, column 1515 along with an indicative timetable of around two years to design and establish the full details of a roll-out followed by a 10 year roll-out period.In the Budget 2008 the Government announced the roll-out of advanced metering for larger business customers over a five year period beginning in early 2009. A consultation on the provision of smart and advanced metering for remaining business customers closed on 17 October. The Government will respond soon.

Secondary information