SSE has installed its 200,000th smart meter, another significant milestone on the journey to installing smart meters in the homes of every single one of its customers up and down Great Britain.
The roll out of smart meters is one of the biggest infrastructure upgrades the energy industry has seen. SSE is making a huge investment over the coming years as it aims to install more than seven million smart meters right across the country.
Smart meters will provide customers with real time information about how much energy they are using in either units of power or pounds and pence, giving them the ability to make better informed decisions about their energy use. They will also give real time, accurate information to suppliers bringing an end to estimated energy bills.
The roll out is a massive, multi-billion pound project that is creating hundreds of new jobs. SSE is taking on new meter installers, engineers, retraining existing engineers to give them the new skills needed to install and maintain smart meters, as well as employing hundreds of back office staff.
The landmark installation took place in Porthcawl, Mid Glamorgan at the home of Elizabeth Howard. Mrs Howard was very happy with her new smart meter saying:
“I like the reassurance of being able to easily see and understand how much energy I am using and what it is costing. I also won’t have to worry about sending in meter readings or having a meter reader visit, as my readings will now be taken automatically.”
Lord Bourne, Energy Minister said:
“Rolling out smart meters is an important part of our plan to build an energy infrastructure system fit for the 21st century. Smart meters support families and businesses to take control of their energy use and help to power the economy by creating jobs and financial security for working people across the country.”
Sara Jane Asquith, Director of Metering and Smart Transformation, welcomed the milestone saying:
“Installing our 200,000th smart meter is another major step in our smart roll out for our customers. Our teams have made fantastic progress so far and we look forward to introducing even more customers, like Mrs Howard, to all the benefits of smart over the coming years.
“Smart meters are going to completely change the way customers interact with their energy consumption. The roll-out gives us the opportunity to engage with each and every one of our customers and help them take control of their energy usage.
“It is vital that we get the roll out right for our customers, so we will continue to deliver with a ‘do it once, do it right’ attitude - starting slowly, learning quickly and ramping up soon after.