Written question asked by Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 13 December 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 December 2011. It was answered by Charles Hendry (Conservative) on Monday, 19 December 2011 on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Energy: Meters

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to consult the Welsh Government on technology for the operation of smart meters.

Answer: The Government published a consultation in August 2011 on their proposals to establish the technical specifications for smart metering equipment that suppliers will install in consumer premises. They informed the Welsh Government and other key stakeholders about the publication to ensure that they had an opportunity to respond. The Government are currently considering the responses to this consultation and will publish the updated technical specifications in early March. They will then notify the European Commission of the specifications and associated licence conditions, in accordance with the requirements of the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive. There are no plans for further consultation on the technical specifications.

Secondary information