Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, Member of Parliament for Skipton and Ripon, has pressed the Government for answers on how rural households will be supported where smart meters cannot connect reliably due to a lack of 4G or radio coverage.
In a series of written Parliamentary Questions, Julian asked the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero what assessment it has made of the impact on rural communities when smart meters cannot connect through standard networks, and what steps are being taken to ensure those households are not left at a disadvantage compared with urban areas.
These questions follow Julian visiting Markington, where residents cannot access a smart meter signal via radio or 4G, and are missing out on savings via tariffs, such as for electric vehicles, dependent on having access to a reliable smart meter. Julian has also assisted constituents with individual cases in Kirkby Malham, Clapham, Settle, Wharfe, Healey, Thornthwaite, Lothersdale and elsewhere, where topographical factors limit the reach of existing signal technologies.
In response, the Government said they are working with the energy industry, including the Data Communications Company (DCC) and suppliers, to extend smart meter connectivity to more properties, including those currently unable to connect.
Julian also asked what guidance is being given to energy suppliers on prioritising rural households, including those in North Yorkshire that cannot access either a radio or 4G signal, for trials of alternative solutions such as smart meters using customers’ home broadband connections.
The Government response confirmed that work is ongoing with industry to develop and test solutions for households that cannot be served through existing networks, with trials taking place to explore new ways to provide coverage.
In his third question, Julian sought confirmation of what concrete steps are being taken to ensure homes without traditional smart meter connectivity can access alternative options, including broadband-based solutions.
The Government responded that trials are underway, including work on systems that could allow smart meters to use a customer’s broadband connection with consent, as part of wider efforts to reach unserved properties.
Commenting, Julian said, "It’s encouraging that the Government recognises the problems rural households face and is testing new ways to close this rural/urban divide. But trials alone are not enough. Ministers now need to make sure these solutions are rolled out properly and quickly to households who, through no fault of their own, cannot access existing signal technologies. It is important that rural communities like those across Skipton and Ripon aren’t left behind."
