ESB Networks has confirmed that it will begin deploying the first cohort of three-phase smart meters in mid-2025.
A smart meter records both your electricity consumption and if you are exporting electricity to the grid.
The rollout of smart meters is a key part of the introduction of an interim microgeneration support scheme, launched by government in 2021.
To receive payment for the actual amount of excess electricity sold to the grid, customers will need a smart meter.
Customers, including farmers, awaiting the installation of these smart meters who are exporting electricity to the national grid are currently able to avail of a “deemed microgen payment” from the suppliers.
ESB Networks said that this payment is based “on the calculation of deemed export onto the network”.
Once the smart meter has been installed and is operating over the following 30 days, the deemed export will be replaced by an actual payment as measured by the meter.
Smart meters
ESB Networks embarked on the deployment of smart meters in autumn 2019, with over 1.6 million installed across Ireland to date.
“The programme is progressing well and is being rolled out on a phased basis.
“We expect to begin the deployment of the first cohort of smart three-phase meters in mid 2025.
“This deployment phase will focus on the 90,000 three-phase customers who are less than 17 Kilo-volt-amperes (kVA) and are on a standard 24-hour electricity tariff or a day/night tariff,” a company spokesperson told Agriland.
According to ESB Networks the benefits of smart meter include:
- Automatic remote meter readings, enabling more accurate billing and significantly reducing the need for manual meter readings and estimated bills;
- Providing customers with greater access to information on electricity usage through their ESB Networks Online Account (available on the ESB Networks website), giving greater control over energy consumption;
- Enabling electricity supply companies to offer new smart products and services, including Time of Use tariffs, which facilitates customers moving some of their consumption to times of the day when electricity is cheaper.