Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment she has made of the effect on the total cost of the smart meter programme of delays in the introduction of the Data Communications Company.

Following a proposal from the Data and Communications Company (DCC) to adopt an alternative delivery plan, the previous administration announced in March 2015 that the DCC will plan to deliver operational services from April 2016.

A Written Ministerial Statement made by the previous administration on this matter can be found here:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150305/wmstext/150305m0001.htm#15030533000006

The DCC has taken account of changes in its costs in the development of its revised plan, in line with its general requirement to deliver its services in an economic and efficient manner. These costs are expected to represent an increase of less than 1% of the total costs of the programme. The programme remains on track to deliver significant net benefits to consumers.