Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential export market available to UK firms who refurbish gas and electric meters that are no longer required in the UK because of smart meter roll-out; and what steps his Department is taking to help develop that market.

No assessment has been made. We understand that some Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) are making refurbished meters available to countries who at present do not intend to install smart meters.

The roll-out of smart meters is an important national modernisation programme that will bring major benefits to consumers and the nation as a whole. Domestic customers will be offered an In-Home Display (IHD) enabling them to see what energy they are using and how much it is costing. Smart meters will also bring an end to estimated billing, transform the prepayment experience, and in time make switching energy suppliers easier and faster.