Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The cost benefit analysis available to me was completed by PricewaterhouseCoopers in September 2013. The results of the updated cost benefit analysis, which is available on the CER website, shows that net present value is minus €59 million for electricity meters only.

5 o’clock

Where electricity and gas meters are included, the net current value is estimated at minus €54 million. The most recent cost benefit analysis, therefore, was marginally negative. Technology has changed. One of the most significant changes which was not envisaged when the Deputy was Minister is the Internet of Things. Only last month I launched one of the first national networks in Kilbegley, south Roscommon in my constituency. It will dramatically change how we consider smart metering and smart devices. I had an interesting conversation with Glen Dimplex - I am sure the Deputy had one also - about the way it was developing products. All this needs to be considered before a decision is made. There is no point in using yesterday's rather than tomorrow's technology.

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