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

Mick Bates AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment, has today issued a statement of opinion calling on the Welsh Assembly Government to initiate a proposal to install Smart Meters in all homes across Wales. This coincides with the release of an early day motion in Westminster in support of smart meters, highlighting that this is an issue high on the environmental agenda across the UK.

Mick has been a keen advocate of Smart Meters and recently hosted a seminar at the Welsh Assembly to explore the opportunities that Smart Meters could offer and allow for creative debate between key players in the energy industry.

Commenting on his statement of opinion Mick said: “Smart Meters are an easy way to reduce our carbon footprint – they do not require any big change to our everyday lives but have real potential to make a difference.

“Smart Meters have the ability to increase energy efficiency and provide more accurate billing which will help the many vulnerable fuel-poor houses in Wales. In fact research has shown that on average household bills could be reduced by around £60-£80 per year which is a significant saving.

“They can also play a key role in reducing energy consumption – about a quarter of carbon emissions in Wales are from energy use in households, so by making people more aware of their energy use this can help to reduce carbon emissions in our battle against climate change.

“A further incentive is that Smart Meters can support micro-generation as they allow customers to export any surplus micro-generated power back to the electricity grid. This would encourage the use of micro-generation technologies which would in turn help reduce carbon emissions from the domestic sector.

“It is crucial that the Welsh Assembly Government recognise this potential and initiate a proposal to install Smart Meters in all Welsh households.

“It is also crucial that the Assembly Government press the UK Government for a mandate in the forthcoming Energy Bill, to install Smart Meters in every household in Wales over the next ten years. This mandate is crucial for the energy industry to work together and discuss the best way to roll out Smart Meters across all households as a step forward towards a more sustainable economy.

“The best route towards a lower carbon future needs action to start at home with small changes that can make a big difference to climate change. 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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