Overview

The Smart Meters Bill extends the deadline for government action on smart meters, establishes a special administration process for smart meter communication licensees facing financial difficulties, and allows for half-hourly electricity imbalance calculations using smart meter data.

Description

This bill modifies existing legislation to achieve three key objectives:

Extension of Time for Smart Meter Powers

The bill extends the deadline for the Secretary of State to exercise powers relating to smart meters from November 1st, 2018 to November 1st, 2023. This affects several acts, including the Energy Act 2008, Electricity Act 1989, and Gas Act 1986.

Special Administration Regime for Smart Meter Communication Licensees

The bill creates a special administration regime for smart meter communication licensees experiencing financial difficulties. This involves court-appointed administrators to manage the licensee's affairs, aiming to ensure efficient and economical service continuation through rescue or transfer to another company. This regime draws heavily on the special administration provisions of the Energy Act 2004.

Half-Hourly Electricity Imbalance Settlement

The bill empowers the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority to modify electricity codes and agreements to enable half-hourly electricity imbalance calculations using smart meter data. This will improve the accuracy and efficiency of electricity market settlement.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, the establishment of the special administration regime may involve costs associated with court proceedings and administrator appointments. Additionally, modifications to existing licence conditions might indirectly impact government revenue from license fees.

Groups Affected

• Smart meter communication licensees: The bill significantly impacts these companies, particularly those facing financial difficulties, as it establishes a new administration process.
• Energy suppliers: The changes to electricity imbalance calculations will affect how they manage and account for electricity supply and demand.
• Consumers: Changes to electricity pricing might indirectly result from the bill due to licence condition modifications.
• Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA): GEMA gains new powers to modify electricity codes and agreements, impacting their operational responsibilities.
• The Secretary of State: The bill extends the Secretary of State’s timeframe for exercising various powers related to smart meters.

Powered by nyModel