- The upgrade programme represents a step change in how individual customers and businesses can manage their electricity more efficiently
- This includes 100,000 new homes also connected to the electricity network with smart meters by ESB Networks
- Smart meters empower customers to take more control of their consumption through the ESB Networks Online Account
Issued on 21st November 2023
ESB Networks has today announced that it has successfully installed 1.5 million smart meters in homes, farms and businesses in every county across Ireland. This milestone also includes the safe connection of over 100,000 new builds with a smart meter to the electricity network.
The National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP), which commenced in late 2019, is on track to complete the installation of over 2 million meters in early 2025. The rollout recently expanded to include the upgrade of Day/Night meters thereby ensuring these customers will also have access to the benefits of smart meters.
A new smart meter reduces the need for estimated bills and allows customers to see how and when they use electricity, directly through the ESB Networks Online Account. This can help customers use electricity more efficiently, reduce consumption or choose a suitable smart meter tariff from their supplier, which allows customers to have more control over their electricity costs.
Other benefits include access to the microgeneration scheme, in which currently over 55,000 customers who generate their own electricity (via solar panels etc.) receive payments for any excess electricity they sell onto the network. In addition, smart meters will improve network services to customers in areas through fault monitoring and the prioritisation of system improvements nationally.
Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, said: “It is extremely positive that we have reached the 1.5 million milestone in the National Smart Metering Programme. This is an initiative that is delivering real benefits for homes in every part of the country. Smart meters provide individuals with more information, giving them more control over their usage and electricity costs, which is so important at a time of continued high international energy prices. As the rollout continues at pace, I look forward to it nearing completion and commend ESB Networks for their delivery of this programme. A smart meter in every home and business in the country will not only help us to meet our climate goals and allow us to become more energy independent, but it will also unlock an array of smart energy solutions that will connect and empower our citizens as part of Ireland’s energy transition.”
Commenting, Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director, ESB Networks, said: “We are delighted with the progress to date on the National Smart Metering Programme and achieving the milestone of 1.5 million smart meters installed. This programme is a key element of our Networks for Net Zero Strategy and provides customers with new technology that enables them to take more control of their electricity usage. This is a vital component in enabling a smarter, low carbon electricity network and in supporting the delivery of the Government’s Climate Action Plan.”
Commissioner Aoife MacEvilly, Commission for Regulation of Utilities, said: “We are very pleased with the success of the roll out to date. Regardless of supplier, smart meters give customers access to more information about their consumption. The ESB Networks online account provides time of use information that can help customers to understand and reduce their electricity use, or choose a suitable smart meter tariff from their supplier, which ultimately allows customers to have more control over their electricity costs.”
The NSMP forms an important part of the National Climate Action Plan. It will enable delivery of the Energy Demand Strategy which is currently under development by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and supports the transition to a low-carbon electricity network. The roll out programme is being delivered nationally by ESB Networks in cooperation with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and with all electricity supply companies.
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