Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2015 to Question 220385, what the purposes and functions are of the Smart Metering Implementation Programme; and whether consideration was given to seeking payment of the costs of that programme from the energy companies.

The Smart Metering Implementation Programme sets the policy and regulatory framework under which energy suppliers roll out smart meters across Great Britain. It ensures that the benefits of the rollout are delivered to consumers and to Great Britain as a whole.

No consideration was given to seeking payment for the costs of the Smart Metering Implementation Programme from the energy companies.