Energy data transfer regulator ElectraLink said the final figure for smart meter installations in 2022 reached 2.37 million – slightly lower than the 2.42 million reported in 2021.
ElectraLink explained the drop in smart meter installations with the substantial growth witnessed in 2021 off the back of the COVID-19 lockdowns. This saw suppliers race to make up for lost time and capitalise on a growing awareness of the need for energy efficiency.
December 2022 saw an increase in installations from a year earlier, with a total of 156,000 smart meters, compared with 154,000 recorded in December 2021.
Regional installations also maintained typical rates for the time of year in December. According to ElectraLink, the East of England recorded 22,000 installations in the month with Southern England having recorded 17,000. The East Midlands recorded 15,000 for the month.
Cornwall Insight has called smart meter installations “vitally important” in bolstering energy security efforts in the UK.
Stated within its Energy Security and Smart Meters paper, the firm indicates that the use of smart meters, which are capable of providing near-real-time information via a visual in-home display, could help customers shift energy consumption away from peak periods. This lowers overall consumption and in turn could open decarbonisation opportunities.
