Consultation on the design plan for the rollout of smart electricity meters in Northern Ireland
NIE Networks welcome the Department for the Economy (DfE) Consultation into a proposed smart meter rollout in Northern Ireland. Smart metering will be an important tool in empowering consumers and enabling a net zero future in Northern Ireland. NIE Networks looks forward to working with the DfE, Utility Regulator (UR), Suppliers, our communities, businesses and other stakeholders as collectively we work towards an important milestone in Northern Ireland’s journey to net zero.
NIE Networks is encouraged by the ambition to deliver a much-expedited rollout in comparison to other jurisdictions. That said, it is critical that sufficient time is given for essential planning and preparation. Collaboration and implementation of new and quicker ways of working, alongside adoption of the latest technology is all required to underpin the ambitious timeline and to ensure the rollout is a success.
NIE Networks Consultation Response:
- Comments on Department for Economy recommendations
- Responds to questions posed in the consultation
- Highlights key enablers
- Provides recommended approach
Headlines
Role of NIE Networks
Welcomes the recommendation that NIE Networks procure and install smart meters and develop a new bespoke data system. Core delivery of procurement, installation and a data system must remain solely with NIE Networks as the central body subject to oversight.
Oversight Group & Governance Arrangements
Recommend NIE Networks be involved in the Oversight Group given proposed role as the central delivery body. Flexible and agile ways of working, leading edge technology and simplification will be paramount to success of a expedited rollout.
Co-Design
Core design and delivery must remain with NIE Networks and the company remains committed to engaging as many parties as possible for input and feedback throughout the programme. Governance and arbitration need to be fully understood.
An evidenced based approach for Northern Ireland
Opportunities exist to learn from other programme rollouts and make evidence-based decisions. Nuances of the NI consumer must be factored into any design decision, overall plan and execution.
Customer acceptance and behavioural change
To ensure customer adoption and subsequent behavioural change, a robust customer education and empowerment programmes by NIE Networks and Consumer Council/Department for Economy is critical to the benefits being realised for consumers and society as a whole.
Knowledge Share and re-use
NIE Networks is keen to explore, collaborate and partner with organisations who have a proven track record of delivering across the island of Ireland. Leveraging valuable learnings and tailoring to the NI market would positively impact rollout time, cost and quality.
Rollout Pace
Welcomes the ambition and intent to rollout at speed but would highlight that the 6-year rollout is significantly under-stated in comparison to other assessments and other countries around the world.