Metering is at the centre of some key changes to electricity and gas markets over the next few years. The rollout of smart metering will entail the replacement of around 53 million gas and electricity meters in less than a decade. Regulation will be required during this transition period. Ofgem is providing regulatory expertise and advice to the Government’s central programme responsible for delivering the rollout of smart metering. We are also taking steps to put in place appropriate consumer protections. Overall, we are seeking to put in place measures to ensure an orderly transition from traditional metering, drawing from, where relevant, our review of current metering arrangements.
Ofgem also has a range of core regulatory functions in relation to metering. We are continuing to work towards a competitive metering market. This includes regulating certain aspects of how network companies price metering services to protect consumers as competition develops. We also participate in and lead a range of industry groups that oversee the arrangements governing the installation and management of metering assets.