The operational transition of smart meters, including draft legal text
We're seeking stakeholder views on options to provide energy suppliers with flexibility to meet the SMETS1 end date.
The SMETS1 end date is the date after which new installations of SMETS1 meters will not count toward energy suppliers’ rollout obligations. It is currently set at 13 July 2018.
The SMETS1 end date is intended to support and incentivise an efficient transition to SMETS2 meters. For suppliers with significant SMETS1 rollouts already underway, we recognise that despite detailed planning, a smooth transition to installing exclusively SMETS2 meters at scale may take time.
This would potentially create a temporary reduction in the rollout and / or result in additional costs for suppliers’ after the end date.
In recognition of this, we are consulting on policy options designed to provide additional flexibility to install a limited number of SMETS1 meters for a limited time period after the SMETS1 end date.
Government’s preferred option would be a derogation that would be available to suppliers who meet a set of eligibility and evidence criteria, set out in our consultation document.