Mr. Nicholas Tarrant:

Smart meters are a fundamental foundation for the climate change that is coming. We are hoping to hit the target of installing 1 million smart meters this month. By the end of 2024, the vast majority of customers will be on smart meters. We are at the early stages of people adopting smart tariffs. Ultimately, by providing data we expect to see more competitive offerings coming in from suppliers, providing different options to suit people's lifestyles. We expect it to develop and grow. This is part of a European and even a global change relating to having data available to customers who can use that to best effect. I know it is easy to say that at the moment because customers are really suffering out there. However, over the years ahead it will fundamentally change how customers use electricity and engage with their suppliers and the whole climate transition. It will be a very important programme.

Regarding our promotion of it, we are doing a lot to highlight the benefits of smart meters for customers. At the end of the day, we are effectively a neutral party in the system in installing this infrastructure and maintaining it. There is the benefit of not having estimated bills for customers which has been a major issue for people. Over time, we will see development in the market regarding charging EVs at night-time, weekends or whenever it might be. We are committed to playing our part and promoting the increased use of smart meters over the long term, which is fundamental for the electrification of heat and transport.

It is worth summarising briefly the different roles relating to offshore energy generation. The Government made a decision that the transmission asset owner of the offshore assets is EirGrid. ESB Networks' role is as the onshore transmission asset owner. The fundamental issue for us when it comes to offshore energy generation is the scale of the reinforcement work that is needed on the transmission system to enable the achievement of the climate action plan targets. There is an enormous amount of work to be done on the transmission network in the east coast area where the majority of the first phase of projects will be coming in in the coming years, particularly in the Dublin area. That is in addition to us developing and investing in the distribution network at the same time. There is an enormous scale of work.

We are working closely with EirGrid on the early stages of the development of the projects for which it is responsible. ESB Networks has responsibility for the detailed design and procurement, managing the contractors and managing the projects through the delivery phase. There are many different strands relating to building up key resources, and going out and procuring contracts in the marketplace. With so much to be delivered across climate action in general, access to resources will be key in growing the amount of delivery that is possible. That will be the challenge and ESB Networks is up for that challenge. We know what is ahead of us and we are committed to doing everything we can to play our role in the growth of offshore wind energy.