Smart meter installations recover from pandemic low

The number of smart meters installed in UK properties have recovered from a previous low due to the lockdown imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to ElectraLink. 

As the Covid-19 lockdown took effect in March, energy suppliers suspended the installation of smart meters. This suspension was eventually lifted in June, although homeowners didn’t seem to be in a rush to get new smart meters installed.

Early signs of a recovery are positive. July saw 152,000 meters installed, according to ElectraLink, which is up 120% from the 69,000 meters that were installed during June. That’s still lower than the number of meters installed this time last year, however, with June’s figures down 67% on 2019 and July’s down 36%. 

Energy suppliers had hoped to be closer to meeting the Government’s target of taking ‘all reasonable steps’ to install smart meters in all homes and small businesses by the end of 2020. However, the Covid-19 slump has put suppliers off target, meaning the Government had no choice but to extend the deadline until June 30, 2021. 

Thankfully, the number of smart meter installations appears to be healthy, with 13,620,245 meters having been successfully installed since the programme began. However, the Government still wants energy suppliers to do more to expand smart meter installations, with many having missed their 2019 milestones for installations. Fortunately for energy suppliers, Covid-19 is a great excuse for missing 2020’s targets.