Government has released its final plans for the rollout of smart meters to all homes by 2020. Under the scheme, energy suppliers will be responsible for installing the meters, standalone devices that detail energy use and emissions in real time. Additionally, communications between meters and utility companies will be centrally coordinated to ensure easy switching between suppliers and facilitate the development of ‘smart grids’.  

Some questions, however, remain following the DECC announcement. For instance, Joel Hagan, Chief Executive of Onzo, which designs in-home energy displays, lamented: “There is no clarity on what the energy display should do and this prevents the industry from innovating and progressing development in time for rollout.” Others expressed concern that the UK will not have a large enough skilled workforce in place to meet the need and that the cost of installing the meters will eventually fall to householders.