SSE: smart metering a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity

The smart meter rollout is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity which must not be missed, energy supplier SSE has warned.

The firm’s director of smart and metering transformation Sara Jane Asquith told delegates at Utility Week Congress it is “vital” that the industry get the rollout right, because it is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

“It’s really important that we’ve got the right governance and assurance in place so that we can all be confident in customers’ eyes that we’re doing the right thing,” she said.

“We’ve got three years to get the nation energised, engaged and enthused and at home, more importantly, for the appointment slot for smart meters. That is not going to be easy, so as an industry it’s all of our responsibility to make sure that we can do that.”

She added that the industry must be “realistic” about targets, suggesting that a target of 100 per cent by 2020 was “not possible to achieve”.

However, she continued, smart meters are a “huge opportunity” and suppliers have a responsibility to help customers maximise the benefits.

“We have to resolve delivery concerns – very clearly, very quickly and very transparently – to make sure that smart metering is delivered at an acceptable cost and experience for customers,” she said.

“And we have to get it right first time, because there is only one time.”