Consultation on the Design Plan for the Roll-out of Smart Electricity Meters in Northern Ireland

Overview

Smart meters were proposed as a tool in the Energy Strategy to provide customers with modern meters that give real time information and to help enable the development of an accessible and digitalised energy system where data provides value for consumers and a more efficient system operation.

The Department has commissioned a detailed review of implementation programmes in other countries to understand the key risks and barriers to implementation and consolidate knowledge on best practice. The findings and recommendations from the review have formed a Design Plan for the future smart meter deployment that is tailored to the needs of consumers here and the electricity market. This will help ensure consumers get value for money and facilitate more flexibility in the electricity system.

The consultation paper proposes a Design Plan for the roll-out of smart electricity meters. This covers:

• Roles and responsibilities;
• Which organisations will have responsibility for procurement, deployment, data management systems, consumer protection and education; and
• How consumers will pay for smart metering systems.

Why your views matter

The Department wishes to hear from a wide range of interested persons and organisations. This will help inform the future roll-out of smart meters in Northern Ireland. 

Before you submit your response, please read the Department's Consultation Paper which sets out the proposals for consideration.

Due to consumer demand, the consultation period has been extended until 16 January 2025. We would very much welcome your response.