Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 6: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in the pilot scheme for smart electronic metres; the initial time-frame given for delivery of the pilot scheme; when the pilot scheme will commence; the number of houses it will cover and when will it be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28005/08]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding his pilot project for smart metering; the level of success and take-up it has had; the future action he plans in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28226/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 23 together.

The rollout of a national smart meter programme is progressing in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government. The Smart Meter programme is a central component of our strategy to significantly enhance management of energy demand and to achieve greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology.

The delivery of smart metering requires a collective response. This is a technically complex and ambitious initiative. The Steering Group overseeing programme implementation is chaired by the Commission for Energy Regulation and includes representation from Sustainable Energy Ireland, ESB Networks, ESB Customer Supply and independent suppliers as well as my Department.

There are four distinct work streams under way. These cover tariffs, Billing/Data, Networks and Customer Behaviour, and the teams concerned are mandated by the Steering Group to progress the complex technical aspects of the smart metering project. Work is under way to develop the details of the two key strands to the pilot phase; the technology trial and the customer behaviour trial. The pilot phase is due to begin at the end of the year and is anticipated that it will last for eighteen months.

The technology trial will look at meter functionality and supporting information and communications systems. ESB Networks is currently at the final stages of a tender process to select smart meters for the technology trial. The results of this tender process will also quantify the number of installations required to ensure the successful testing of the technology in the pilot phase.

In parallel, work is well advanced on the design of the customer behaviour and tariff aspects of the pilot phase. The trial will determine the potential of smart meters to effect measurable change in consumer behaviour and the potential of this to effect reductions in energy use. Work is also under way to design a statistically robust approach to customer selection for the behavioural trial.

The overall objective remains to complete the national smart meter programme in five years. This will equip us with an advanced cost effective, national electricity metering system which will deliver tangible benefits to all energy consumers.

Given the very positive public response to the smart metering, and to other energy efficiency measures, I am confident that there will be ample demand from consumers to take part in the pilot project.