Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Thursday, 24 November 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 November 2011. It was answered by Charles Hendry (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 December 2011 on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Energy: Meters

Question: (2) if he proposes that the smart metering installation code of practice will include measures to prevent doorstep selling of utilities during the installation of smart meters.

Answer: Electricity and gas suppliers have developed a draft smart metering installation code of practice, which they published for consultation in August 2011. They are now considering responses. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has consulted on the draft licence conditions that will formally underpin an industry code. These draft conditions include rules on sales of goods and services during the smart meter installation visit and arrangements for updating a code in the light of, among other things, consumer experience during the roll-out. We will publish our response in the new year.

Secondary information