Overview

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

Description

This bill makes several key changes:

• Extension of Time for Smart Meter Powers: Extends deadlines related to smart meter rollouts and licensing to November 1st, 2023, originally set for November 1st, 2018. This affects provisions in the Energy Act 2008, Electricity Act 1989, and Gas Act 1986.
• Special Administration Regime for Smart Meter Licensees: Creates a special administration process for smart meter communication licensees facing insolvency. This involves a court-appointed administrator aiming to ensure continued service and potentially facilitate a company rescue or transfer to another entity. Relevant provisions from the Energy Act 2004 are adapted for this new regime. The administrator must prioritize licensee functions and can modify licensee charges to cover administration costs.
• Half-Hourly Electricity Imbalance Settlement: Allows the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority to modify electricity codes and agreements to enable half-hourly electricity imbalance calculations based on smart meter data. This requires a public consultation process.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify increased government spending. However, the special administration regime might indirectly lead to government expenditure if public funds are used to support the administration process or compensate for shortfalls in licensee assets.

Groups Affected

• Smart Meter Communication Licensees: Potentially affected by the special administration regime if they face financial difficulties. The bill aims to mitigate disruption to service.
• Energy Suppliers: May be impacted by changes to electricity codes and agreements related to half-hourly imbalance settlements.
• Consumers: Could see changes in billing or service if their supplier is affected by the special administration regime or new half-hourly billing methods.
• Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA): Responsible for implementing changes to electricity codes and agreements.
• Secretary of State: Holds powers to extend deadlines, make modifications to licenses, and oversee the special administration regime.

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