Dr. Paul McGowan:

Some of my colleagues may wish to add to what I have to say. Regarding the uptake, many smart meters have been installed but it is really only over the past few months that suppliers have been introducing products such as time-of-use tariffs for customers. It is too early to say what the uptake is. Since there is an opt-in arrangement, the uptake is in all likelihood lower than it would be if there were an opt-out arrangement. I believe the percentage of people with a smart meter who have availed of a time-of-use tariff is low. That is why there could be an opportunity associated with demand attenuation or demand reduction if there were an opt-out. More data will be available once smart metering is rolled out more broadly and more data on behavioural change are available from customers who have opted in to the system.