Smart meter rollout faces further delay

The mass rollout of smart meters in the UK could be delayed by three months by the Data and Communications Company (DCC).

The delay comes as a further blow to the rollout of smart meters, which has already been pushed back by a year by the coalition government in May 2013 after the then bidders for the DCC contract, said they needed more time to create the necessary infrastructure.

Capita, which won the DCC contract in August last year, is consulting on delaying the date when its smart meter communications infrastructure goes live due to “a delay to an important specification outside of the DCC’s control”.

This could see the DCC ‘go live’ date, and therefore the mass rollout of smart meters across the UK, being pushed back until December 2015.

In a statement, Capita said: “We have therefore consulted with the energy industry on what we should do in the best interests of consumers and the industry.

“We are currently assessing industry’s views and we will shortly be in a position to make a proposal to Government on the impact for the roll-out schedule.”

The delay follows plans by the government to allow older specification (SMETS 1) smart meters to count towards the suppliers targets for the newer specification (SMETS2) meters.

Beama, the trade association for the UK electrical manufacturing industry, said Decc’s proposals would lead “to a more seamless transition into SMETS 2”.

A spokesperson added: “If this doesn’t happen then it’s likely suppliers will wait until SMETS 2 to invest and this may have a knock on effect on the rollout end dates.”

Neil Young, European marketing director at meter manufacturer Trilliant, said there is industry-wide confidence SMETS 2 will be ready for mass rollout, although a “bedding in period” would be needed.