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

The Deputy is correct that the interface between digital and clean energy technology needs to be examined. It has changed dramatically in the past decade. I want to be sure that if we charge every ESB customer €400 for a smart meter that, first, they will benefit from them and, second, that it is the most cost effective way of making this investment. I want to establish whether there are other more efficient ways by using new technology. That analysis will be completed in the next few weeks. When the commission publishes the findings, we can examine the approach we are taking. The Deputy is also correct about the investment being made. I want an answer to the question of whether it should be used for this or some other technology before I proceed. Smart metering could provide huge opportunities and the type of meter is crucially important to the decisions we will take not just for now but for the next decade and the following decade.

See this speech in context