Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with (a) the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and (b) Ofcom on energy networks' access to the radio spectrum in the context of the (i) smart meter rollout and (ii) implementation of a smart energy network.

DSIT Ministers have not had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero or Ofcom on either of these topics.

DSIT officials are currently discussing the connectivity needs for future energy networks with officials at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero working together to analyse the associated use cases and options for the connectivity solutions. The Departments are also working with Ofcom, should additional spectrum be required to support this.