Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

In response to the question as to who pays and who benefits, the Deputy is correct that the supply companies will benefit and it is designed to do that. The first benefit is that there is less theft. With more control over where electricity is going and real-time information as to what is happening, the experience internationally has been real savings, which may be single-digit but are still significant in reducing theft. The provider also achieves savings from the cost of managing that system. It is right that the supply companies should benefit.

The consumer, however, also benefits. One of the reasons it is more expensive is that we are taking more time but it is being done in the right way to get it right. As well as the technology and the companies' systems we are really testing how people react and use the technology. That is probably the most important factor for the pilot's success or otherwise. If through better monitors or display systems consumers can see what they are using and can start to make savings, then they start to win. With systems that can switch off appliances automatically and which have control systems allowing consumers to have much greater control over what they are doing, consumers start to win. The ultimate objective is to reduce the energy use in homes. All the international evidence suggests consumers can do that with proper measurement when they know what is going on.

The companies and the consumers will benefit. While it is expensive and there are costs involved in the set-up and trial period, I am convinced it is the right way to go. Every other advanced economy is planning to implement this. The benefit for us in developing a smart grid system here, starting from the smart meter and including the electric vehicle in the driveway that can be plugged into a socket in the hallway, is that this is an area where considerable international attention and investment is coming. Many jobs can be developed out of the systems here.

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