Smart meters: golden opportunity for Government

John Scott from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said: "We are encouraged to see that the PAC report highlights the key issue of communications and data availability from smart meters.

“This is a golden opportunity for the Government to implement smart meters so they create an open door for smart grids, that is about upgrading of our 50 year old power networks to make far more use of digital technologies, automation and advanced sensors.

“The IET is active in promoting smart grids thinking as we believe that Government targets for sustainability and the security and costs of future energy delivery, will depend on achieving this visionary transition. The new smart meters are both a measurement device and a sensor – the data from them should be not only used for accurate billing, but also to drive the intelligent systems we will need for new applications such as charging our electric vehicles without overloading the local grid."