Industry & Business

ESB Networks has announced the results of three major tenders which will pave the way for a programme upgrading electricity meters to modern smart ready technology as a key part of the drive to combat climate change. The upgrade will enable smart electricity services from 2021 bringing benefits to the environment, the consumer and the economy.

The tenders announced deal with:

• The purchase of modern meters and the supporting technical infrastructure¹
• Framework installation contracts to support the replacement of meters by ESB Networks²
• The selection of a communications network³

Paddy Hayes, Managing Director of ESB Networks, said: “The upgrade to modern electricity meters is an important enabler of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. To tackle climate change, the meter upgrade programme is an essential foundation to maximising the benefit from Ireland’s growing renewable generation capability and supporting the electrification of transport and heat – using clean electricity to displace carbon fuels.

“Working closely with the energy supply companies, ESB Networks plans to deliver this important programme over six years, so that all electricity customers can be part of the sustainable energy future.”

Work on the upgrade programme is being carried out by ESB Networks in close co-operation with the Department for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and all electricity supply companies.

Commissioner Aoife MacEvilly from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities said: “The announcement is another step on the journey to enable electricity suppliers to offer smart energy services to customers and will support the migration to a low carbon electricity system. Smart meters will also help customers make more informed choices about their consumption, give customers accurate and regular information on their electricity usage and ensure no more estimated bills.”

Paddy Hayes continued: “ESB Networks has always replaced meters on a routine rolling basis. By its nature, this programme is different as it will be concentrated over six years, starting later in 2019. The initial focus will be on replacing older meters and we will give plenty of notice on when we are planning your replacement.”

1. The tender for the provision of meters and supporting technical infrastructure has been awarded to a consortium comprising Siemens Ireland and Kamstrup A/S.
2. The successful tender[er]s for installation service framework contracts are TLI Group Limited, KN Network Services (Ire) Limited, MD Electrical Installations Limited.
3. The contract for the provision of the communications network has been awarded to Three Ireland Limited.
4. This is the first phase of a programme that will continue through to 2024.
5. The upgrade programme calls for 250,000 smart meters to be installed by the end of 2020 and about 500,000 meters in each of the four subsequent years.