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Written question asked by Ian Roome (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 April 2026. It was answered by Martin McCluskey (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


Energy: Meters

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his department is taking to ensure that the adoption of smart meters does not disadvantage domestic energy customers in rural areas that have poor mobile connectivity.

Answer

The Data Communications Company (DCC) is the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain, and is obligated to provide smart meter network connectivity to at least 99.25% of premises across GB. The Government is working closely with the DCC to ensure that smart meter connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties in all regions, including rural areas, as soon as reasonably possible.


One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN (VWAN) which involves using customers’ broadband connection (with consent) to carry smart metering communications.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
129042
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Energy Meters Rural areas
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk