Smart meters to be rolled out

Thousands of new smart meters will be rolled out by the end of the year starting with Cork, Laois and other parts of Leinster.

ESB Networks announced the news yesterday confirming that Bandon, Macroom, Clonakilty, Kinsale, Blarney, Carrigaline and their hinterlands would be the initial locations in 2019 to benefit from the upgrade of Ireland’s electricity meters to modern smart ready technology. Similar meters are currently being rolled out across Europe.

20,000 meters will be installed by the end of this year by ESB Networks’ network technicians and by electrical contractors working on its behalf. ESB Networks then plans to replace 250,000 meters between autumn 2019 and the end of 2020, with a further 500,000 meters each year from 2021 to 2024. Commenting on the rollout programme, Paddy Hayes, Managing Director of ESB Networks said: “Ireland’s Climate Action Plan targets 70 per cent of all electricity from renewables by 2030. Using clean electricity to power heat and transport will be key and these smart meters will ultimately support every household to play their part in Ireland’s clean energy future. We will communicate early and often with electricity customers when arranging their meter replacement.”

From next month onwards, ESB Networks will make direct contact with customers from these areas, giving plenty of notice to arrange appointment times to replace electricity meters.

Welcoming the rollout, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said: “These new smart meters are an important step in our overall drive to switch to renewable energy sources and decarbonise our electricity supply.

“We now have a plan in place to radically reduce our carbon emissions. These new meters will enable homeowners to make smarter choices to meet their needs, while saving money on their electricity bills and reducing their impact on the environment. The saving in carbon emissions associated with the homes’ electricity use could also be very significant.”