It is just over halfway through a project to replace old smart meters which were installed as part of a programme launched in 2005.
Then the aim was to hook up every home to automatic meter reading technology. It achieved 95% coverage with the remaining properties unsuitable.
‘These earlier meters have been reaching the end of their 10-year life, so in 2015, we commenced a routine replacement programme using an upgraded version of the equipment,’ Mike Lloyd, head of distribution at Guernsey Electricity, said.
‘The improved meter provides more detailed consumption data and improved communication which reduces the need to undertake manual readings and estimates and allows us to advise customers on their energy usage. The new equipment also has a longer life of 15 years.
‘Guernsey Electricity holds around 33,000 of this type of meter and has fitted around 55%, with the remainder planned for completion by 2022. There will still be a small percentage not covered and in some cases, manual readings will remain necessary.
‘We track smart meter developments in the UK and Europe to enable us to keep pace with emerging technology and pass on any important benefits. A new online portal is currently in development which will allow customers to access their account to view their energy usage, plus we stock Minim+ energy monitors which instantly displays actual consumption.’
In 2005, Guernsey Electricity hoped to roll smart meters to customers over the following four to five years, costing £2.1m.
It was meant to save the company £150,000 a year in operating costs.
It has not said how much the project to replace the meters will cost.
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