In September 2017 the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced the details of the delivery plan for the introduction of smart meters across Ireland. The CRU tasked ESB Networks with the roll-out of the National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP), which involves replacing all existing electricity meters with modern smart meters.
The roll-out programme is part of the Government’s Climate Action Plan, supporting the move to a low carbon electricity network and is being delivered in a phased approach by ESB Networks in co-operation with the CRU, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and with all electricity supply companies.
For more information, check out ESB Networks Smart Metering website.
As part of the Climate Action Plan and the move to a low carbon electricity network, ESB Networks is replacing 2.4 million electricity meters in homes, farms and businesses across Ireland with next generation meters. The introduction of this new technology will bring benefits to customers, the environment and the economy.
Smart meters are the next generation of electricity meters. Using digital technology and the 2G mobile phone network, the smart meter will give customers access to accurate information on their energy usage throughout the day.
By January 2021, approximately 245,000 meters had been upgraded. The programme began in counties Laois, Kildare and Cork (Bandon) in Autumn 2019 and extended to parts of Dublin, Wicklow, Louth and Meath in 2020.
Following the revised Covid-19 restrictions
announced by Government on January 6th 2021, the deployment
of smart meters has temporarily ceased with immediate effect. ESB Networks will
recommence smart meter replacements as soon as it is safe to do, based on
Government advice. ESB Networks will contact customers to let them know when we
are recommencing smart meter installations in their area.