Homes, farms and businesses that are customers of ESB Networks will have smart meters installed, to benefit them, the economy and the environment.
On a regional basis the smart meters are being installed at no additional cost to customers.
The programme is currently working in counties including Cork and the ESB Network are on track to install 40,000 of the meters per month to the end of 2024.
This is part of the National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP) which is a key enabler of the Climate Action Plan.
The programme commenced in July of 2019 and is being delivered by ESB Networks and three deployment contractors.
The roll-out has created more than 500 jobs, which will remain until the end of the project.
Customers can apply to ESB Networks or their electricity supplier for a prioritised installation of a Smart Meter.
The programme has enabled the development of new smart electricity services, providing more detailed information on customers’ electricity usage and reducing the need for estimated bills.
It is being delivered in partnership with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and other industry stakeholders.
The Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, says about today’s announcement:
“Smart meters give people more real-time information and more control over their energy usage and their bills, which is very important at a time of high international energy prices. Smart meters will also facilitate reduced energy consumption and more renewable power on the electricity system, which will help us to meet our climate goals and become more energy independent.”
John Melvin, Director of Energy Markets and Smart Metering, The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, said:
“Since February 2021, electricity supply companies have been offering additional services and products to customers where a new Smart Meter has been installed. These products include Time-Of-Use tariffs that allow customers to move some of their consumption to time of the day when electricity is cheaper. Since February, over 20,000 customers have availed of these types of services, and we expect the take up of these tariffs to increase significantly. Having a smart meter makes switching even easier.”
