Concern over the coronavirus outbreak is likely to derail current smart meter installation targets, industry experts have warned.
Announcing its latest data, ElectraLink said that while installations are expected to increase over the remainder of the year, “public health concerns might mean fewer installations in the coming weeks”.
Richard Neudegg, head of regulation at Uswitch, agreed and said the targets set for suppliers may have to be adjusted.
“It seems likely that coronavirus will limit the roll-out in the short term, both in the availability of installers and consumer willingness to book installations.
“Consumers awaiting an installation do need to be kept informed about any change to their appointments by suppliers however.
“It also remains to be seen how the government factors in any impact this has on suppliers meeting their installation targets, but we’d expect them to be pragmatic given the circumstances.”
According to ElectraLink’s latest data, the 13-millionth smart meter was installed in February, yet there was an almost 6 per cent decrease in installations compared to January.
In total 232,000 devices were installed across Great Britain in February which represents a 9 per cent increase on the same period in 2019.
Last month the Smart Data Communications Company (DCC) revealed that 4 million second-generation (SMETS2) smart meters had been installed.
Utility Week has created an anonymous survey about the possible impacts coronavirus will have on the sector which you can access here.