The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has published a paper proposing to roll-out

electricity and gas Smart Meters to all homes and many businesses across Ireland in the coming years.

These Smart Meters will provide significant benefits to energy customers and to the country generally.

It is proposed to proceed with a national roll-out of Smart Meters following the completion of electricity and gas Smart Meter pilot trials earlier this year. These trials showed that a national roll- out of Smart Meters could lead to a 2.9% reduction in overall gas consumption, a 2.5% reduction in overall electricity consumption and an 8.8% reduction in peak-time electricity consumption.

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A national roll-out of Smart Meters will therefore lead to lower customer bills, greater customer information and choice, lower CO2 emissions and environmental benefits for Ireland. It will involve major investments by the network companies over the next few years. The pilot trials showed that, after carefully analysing the costs and benefits involved, Smart Meters will provide a net benefit to customers and the country in excess of €220 million over 20 years. In particular, Smart Meters will provide customers with more real-time energy consumption recording and information services.

The CER consultation paper also includes proposals for the design and functionality requirements of the national Smart Meter roll-out, as well as the procurement model

and high-level timelines involved. A final decision on the national roll-out is expected from the CER in early 2012, with the process of installing meters likely to occur over the following years.

(CD)