Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on concerns from ESB unions regarding the roll-out of smart meters; if the roll-out will be funded by the ESB as originally planned; the position in relation to the roll-out of smart meters; when the roll-out will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14649/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The roll out of a national smart meter programme, in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government, is a central component of our strategy to significantly enhance management of demand for electricity and to achieve greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. The delivery of smart metering requires a collective response. That is why I have made it a priority for my Department to work intensively as part of the Steering Group overseeing the smart meter programme. The group is chaired by the Commission for Energy Regulation and consists of Sustainable Energy Ireland, ESB Networks, ESB Customer Supply and independent suppliers as well as my Department. There are also four working groups which are mandated to progress the complex technical aspects of smart metering including Tariffs, Billing/Data Services, Networks and Customer Behaviour.

Under the ESB's new Strategic Framework to 2020, the national smart meter programme will be financed under the ESB Networks Multi Annual Investment Programme. With installation of meters set to begin this summer, the objective is to complete the national roll out in 5 years. The recognised potential of smart metering in terms of increased energy efficiency, reduced costs, reduced harmful emissions, facilitation of micro and distributed generation and improved customer service, will deliver tangible benefits to all consumers of electricity. In regard to the concerns potentially raised by the ESB unions, the management of industrial relations within ESB is, in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of the company. I am aware of comments earlier this year by a representative of one of the constituent Unions of the ESB Group of Unions in relation to the roll out of smart meters. I am not aware, however, of any explicit concerns raised by the ESB Group of Unions in relation to the Smart Metering Programme.