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The preferred bidders for the government's smart meter contracts are Capita, Arqiva, Telefonica, and CGI. Utility Week asked industry figures about public acceptance of the meters and calming data capture fears.
Jean Fiddes, head of smart transition for Eon’s smart metering customer programme in the UK, said: “To date we have provided smart meters to over 145,000 customers and we are not seeing concerns raised from our customers in terms of data privacy. All the information from our customers’ smart meters will be sent to us securely and stored safely.
“The development of a data charter between consumer groups, government and suppliers will provide reassurance to customers regarding the safety and security of their data by giving them control over how often their data is accessed and what it can be used for. The Central Delivery Body will play a key in communicating this message to the public which is why we are eager to see it start its communication work as soon as possible.”
Lawrence Slade, Energy UK chief operating officer, said: “Smart meters will be secure and customers will have a choice about how much data they share with their providers.
“Energy UK has led work on a data guide which lays out this choice. Key to persuading customers to have a smart meter installed will be a successful consumer engagement programme and the Central Delivery Body is now in place to start planning that, which is a significant milestone.”
Dr Martyn Thomas, chair of the The Institution of Engineering and Technology policy panel, said: “[The Department of Energy and Climate Change] and the utility companies will need to work hard and consistently to win the support of the public for the rollout of smart meters, because this will be an important factor in getting consumers to agree appointments for meters to be fitted, and then to keep the appointments when they are made. Wasted visits will significantly increase the costs of the roll-out.
“Data privacy will undoubtedly be an issue; concerns over data privacy delayed the initial roll-out of smart meters in the Netherlands but the UK has taken this experience on board and learnt from it.
“The UK systems have been designed to avoid having a large, central database of half-hourly readings by keeping the half-hourly data in householders’ individual meters and only sending monthly summaries for billing. Nevertheless, authorised users of the metering network will be able to access the detailed readings and privacy concerns are likely..
“However, I would like to acknowledge that data privacy is being taken very seriously by suppliers and network operators – and appropriate obligations towards data privacy have been built into their respective licence conditions.”
Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) chief executive David Smith, said: “Delivering a smarter network is an essential part of achieving our aims for a sustainable, secure and affordable energy future. The data from smart meters is a critical part of maintaining an effective and efficient smart grid that can respond to demand.
“The Data Communications Company will play a vital role ensuring the secure processing of smart metering information, enabling the true cost benefits of smart meters to be realised through a smarter network.”
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