Contact/Cyswllt: Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Next generation technology electricity and gas meters will be key to helping Wales reduce carbon emissions, Welsh Assembly Members were told today.

The Energy Retail Association (ERA), which represents the country’s largest energy suppliers, gave evidence on the benefits of Smart Meters to the Assembly’s Sustainability Committee inquiry on carbon emission reductions in Wales. The ERA wants the UK Government to press ahead with the installation of Smart Meters in every home within 10 years.

Mick Bates, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson on the Environment, hosted a seminar at the National Assembly following the Sustainability Committee meeting to further explore the opportunities that Smart Meters could offer.

Commenting Mick Bates said: "I am very pleased with the work being done by the ERA to support smart meters which offer a great opportunity to reduce energy use.

“Smart meters have the potential to help solve the fuel poverty crisis and help the poorest people in Wales to receive energy at a lower cost. We need a two way communication system and Smart Meters offer a real-time process where there is a direct relationship between consumer and energy supplier, so that they can work together to reduce energy costs.

“Smart Meters also have positive benefits for the environment by reducing energy consumption and supporting micro-generation - this all helps to reduce carbon emissions in our battle against climate change."

Welsh energy supplier SWALEC during their own evidence to the Committee, demonstrated the practical benefits of these state-of-the-art meters. The technology can provide real time information on energy use to enable consumers to identify areas of energy waste.

Additional benefits offered by the meters include the introduction of flexible energy tariffs suited to different patterns of energy use. This would be similar to the range of tariffs currently offered by the mobile phone industry.

If introduced, this next generation of meter will also allow the energy supplier to interact directly with the meter - ensuring customers receive accurate bills every time. This will bring to an end estimated billing and the inconvenience this can cause.
Impressed by the information presented in favour of Smart Meters, Welsh Lib Dem Mick Bates concluded: “Clearly Smart Meters are a move in the right direction and should be supported as an important part of the green agenda for Wales.”


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