Smart Meter Roll Out

Yesterday I challenged the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change about the Government’s roll-out of smart meters.

In September 2014, the Public Accounts Committee raised concerns about the roll-out and more recently concerns have been raised about the amount of public money being spent on the project.

See below my question and the Secretary of State’s response.

Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/Co-op): What progress is being made on the roll out of smart meters. [902831]

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Amber Rudd): I can assure the hon. Lady that good progress is being made. Energy suppliers have now installed over 2 million meters in homes and small businesses across Britain, ahead of the main installation stage starting later this year.

Meg Hillier: In September 2014, the Public Accounts Committee raised concerns about the roll-out of smart meters, but very recently, Alex Henney, a former Conservative energy adviser, warned the Secretary of State that the roll-out would at best be regarded as a waste of money and that it is "a ghastly mess". Does she agree with Mr Henney, and what is she doing to resolve those problems?

Amber Rudd: I can say very clearly to the hon. Lady that I do not agree with that position. Smart meters will have a great future in this country. We discussed in earlier questions energy security and fuel poverty. Smart meters will be a very good way for people to reduce their bills and use less energy, therefore creating fewer carbon emissions. Smart meters are an important part of that.