Industry insiders have expressed their confusion over what the coronavirus pandemic means for the smart meter rollout, following a lack of clarity from the government.
Following on from the banning of all but essential travel, Energy UK says its members have halted all non-essential field-based activities due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Smart meters will still be installed, but only in emergency situations such as a loss of supply.
A spokesperson added that due to the rapidly-evolving nature of the situation, and uncertainty around how long any restrictions may be in place, it is too early to assess the implications for the rollout in general.
Government advice issued today (25 March) states that work carried out in people’s homes such as by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms and that Public Health England guidelines are followed.
Furthermore, while emergency measures agreed between the government and suppliers mean retailers may have to enter homes to repair meters to keep consumers on supply, there is no clear guidance from government as to how this affects the smart meter rollout.
Speaking to Utility Week, one source said it would appear suppliers have taken it upon themselves to halt the rollout.
They said: “Energy suppliers seem to have taken this decision themselves and the likelihood is this will continue until the restrictions have been lifted.
“If this was any other national emergency, I think we would see lots of engineers sent out to people on prepayment meters to offer them the opportunity of an upgrade to a smart meter, but this is such an infectious diseases that it is not possible to do that.”
The source added their frustration that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has not explicitly said what will happen in relation to the rollout.
A spokesperson for Energy UK said: “Currently, all energy suppliers are following government, NHS and Public Health England guidelines in relation to all home visits. Due to the fast-moving nature of the situation, energy suppliers will continue to monitor and review their procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their customers and staff.
“Energy UK and its members are working closely with the relevant government departments and the energy regulator, Ofgem, and will continue to do so throughout this period. Clearly, as the current situation evolves, it may be the case that non-urgent home visits (including smart meter installations) might have to be postponed due to a number of reasons including health precautions.”
Meanwhile a spokesperson for Smart Energy GB said while suppliers halting non-essential installations will have an impact on the rollout, it is the right response.
“Following the announcement of a national lockdown for non-essential workers, many energy suppliers will now cease or substantially reduce the number of smart meter installations they carry out, diverting staff to deal with emergencies and to assist vulnerable customers.
“This will have an impact on the smart meter rollout but these steps are the right response to help keep us all as safe and well as possible.”
Furthermore Manchester-based smart meter firm Calisen has confirmed it has temporarily suspended all non-essential installations and services.
Calisen said its subsidiary company Lowri Beck has closed all its offices and warehouses, with the exception of facilities used by a small group of engineers who will remain on standby to respond to emergency callouts.
As part of its response to the virus, Octopus Energy revealed it has invested in hazardous material (hazmat) suits and the relevant training to allow its engineers to enter the homes of those who are self-isolating to complete emergency repairs.
Chief executive Greg Jackson told Utility Week the investment will mean it can continue to enter houses to reconnect faulty meters, so that no customer, especially those who may be unwell or self-isolating, experiences an extended interruption to supply.
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