Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The National Smart Metering Programme in Ireland is managed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). In a digital age, Smart Meters are the next generation of electricity and gas meter, and are being rolled out across Europe and internationally, replacing older, mechanical meters. By 2020, in Ireland, almost three quarters of a million of existing meters will be more than 40 years old and in need of replacement. The initial priority is to respond to consumers who request a smart meter and also to replace older meters. Smart meters give consumers more choice and information, enabling them to be more proactive in their use of electricity and save money, for example by using appliances at off peak hours.

This is a significant energy infrastructure project, involving the installation of new meters to over 2.3 million customers nationwide, on a phased basis, a significant part of which is addressing required meter replacement. CRU estimate the cost of the project at €1.2 Billion over the six year roll-out period. This cost will be included in the costs of distribution networks in the same way as all other electricity infrastructure investments are paid for. This will be reflected on consumer bills through an additional cost of approximately €5.50 per annum per customer. It is expected this investment will be more than offset by the potential savings customers will be able to make as a result of the greater information that will be available through the smart meter.