The National Association for Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) has criticised government plans that have seen the mass roll-out of smart meters delayed until 2015.
Frank Bertie, NAPIT’s trade association chairman commented: “Now the roll-out has been further delayed, it could significantly affect consumers who will not be able to take advantage of sustainable energy measures when they should be doing, to save themselves money. The industry will lose out on this market and at a time when the government are promoting energy efficiency through their flag ship Green Deal.
“This could have been avoided, as registered installers of a gas or electrical Competent Person Scheme could have significantly aided the roll-out of smart meters and are still available to assist within the timeframe.”
The government had originally intended to start upgrading 53 million households’ meters to smart meters in 2014. However, according to NAPIT, government delayed the mass roll-out on the request of the six largest energy companies in the UK.
NAPIT is concerned that the delay in the roll-out could undermine the sustainable energy industry and hold back awareness of energy efficiency in households.
Announcing the delay, the secretary of state for energy and climate change, Ed Davey, said: “The consistent message was that more time was needed if the mass roll-out was to get off to the best possible start and ensure a quality experience for consumers. We therefore now expect suppliers to be ready to start their full scale roll-out by autumn 2015.”
