Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Henley on 4 January (HL12419), whether a builder must ensure the fitting of smart meters in new build homes; if not, who is responsible; and whether such fittings are installed under the aegis of a particular energy supplier.

All meter points in new build homes must have a registered energy supplier. The builder can appoint a supplier of their choice but it is the supplier who has responsibility for the installation of meters in a property.

A number of energy suppliers are already installing smart gas and electricity meters in new build properties. The Government recently consulted on a proposal to activate the New and Replacement Obligation (NRO) in energy suppliers’ licences. The NRO would require suppliers to take all reasonable steps to install a compliant smart meter where a meter is fitted for the first time including in new build properties. We expect to make a decision to activate the NRO in due course.