Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a detailed timetable that indicates when a comprehensive net-metering system will be implemented throughout the country; if this represents the shortest time possible for such roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35478/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The introduction of net-metering facilities for micro-scale producers will be enabled by the introduction of smart metering technology.

The Programme for Government and the Government's Energy Policy Framework commit to the introduction of smart meters to every home in the country over the next five years. The smart meter programme is a key component of the Government's Strategy to radically improve demand, management and energy efficiency and to enable the development of micro generation and distributed generation on a wider scale.

The implementation of smart metering is being directed, at my request, by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) with the assistance of a High-level Steering Group comprising my Department, CER, Sustainable Energy Ireland, ESB Networks (ESBN) and an Independent Operators representative. There are a number of high level objectives which underpin the roll out of the natural smart meters programme:

To facilitate and inform demand side management.

To facilitate more efficient use of energy.

To aid in the promotion of competition and improved customer service.

Improved meter management.

Technical Working Groups, with wider industry representation, are being established by the CER, and will address all relevant issues such as tariffing, networks, data management and the optimal geographic distribution for the first phase roll out. ESB Networks has initiated the procurement process for smart meters and anticipates test meters will be available by mid 2008. ESB Networks plans the roll out of meters to begin in summer 2008 with a view to 25,000 meters being installed by year end.

Microgenerators will be included in the assessment of the optimal design of a smart meter and associated processes.