Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 585: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding smart meters; the timeframe for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31605/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Smart Metering Programme is a central component of the Government's strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand, deliver smart networks and enable greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology.

The harnessing of renewable energy and the development of micro generation and electric vehicles is creating an utterly different supply and demand energy landscape. The integration of energy and ICT systems will deliver an energy network which looks a lot more like the Internet than a traditional grid. Therefore, smart metering systems will be intrinsic to the transformation of the energy system. I have asked my Department to work with the Commission for Energy Regulation and ESB Networks to explore the synergies between the national electric vehicle programme and the smart meter programme.

The current pilot phase of the smart meter programme is underway as planned. The technology trials are continuing to test a number of advanced metering systems and their associated IT and communications infrastructure. The Customer Behaviour trials are determining the potential of smart meters to achieve measurable change in consumer behaviour.

The potential for a Smart Metering Prepayment Model, similar to the 'Pay As You Go' mobile telecommunications arrangements, is also being assessed by the Smart Metering Steering Group for use in both electricity and gas. A prepayment pilot is now under way with ESB Customer Supply staff in advance of a trial with ESB Customer Supply customers, which is expected to get underway by September.

The electricity element of the pilot phase went 'Live' in January of this year and will be completed at the end of December 2010. The electricity technology trial is examining metering functionality and supporting information and communications systems. 3,400 meters have been deployed to accommodate technology testing in Limerick/Ennis and Cork City/Bandon, in addition to further desk top studies of radio frequency and power line carrier solutions.

Significant progress has also been made in the gas element of the pilot phase. Over 1,900 meters have been deployed for Gas Customer Behaviour Trials. A further 100 meters will accommodate Gas Technology Trials.

With the six month benchmarking period for the gas element of the Customer Behaviour Trial having been completed at the end of May, the Trial went live on 1 June. It will continue until end May 2011.

A key component of the smart meter pilot is the associated cost benefit analysis, which will critically inform future decisions, including on a full national roll out. An interim analysis will be completed this year, with the final analysis, to include the results of the gas trials, to be completed by mid 2011. To that end, on 11 June, the CER opened the first of what will be a series of smart metering consultations, seeking views on possible functional requirements for a national smart metering roll out. Responses received will inform the cost benefit analysis. The closing date for this initial consultation is 23 July. All documentation is available on the CER website.

Smart Metering is now seen at European Union level as a critical dimension of energy demand management in the interests of consumers and businesses. I am pleased to say that Ireland is to the forefront among Member States in making real progress on the smart meter agenda.