Statement from PAC Chair on publication of NAO report on Smart Meters
30 June 2011
NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE: PREPARATIONS FOR THE ROLL-OUT OF SMART METERS
A statement from The Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts:
Smart meters could help us all cut our energy consumption but government’s track record on delivering large programmes is patchy at best. At the moment the estimated cost is £11.3 billion, but all our experience suggests that this budget will be blown.
Also, for the money spent to provide value, we all have to change the way we behave. It is not clear how the Department will stimulate this behaviour change. And, as technology changes, the Department will have to be properly flexible to respond with up-to-date technology for the smart meters. These uncertainties can drive up costs more than planned.
We will keep a close eye on project progress, and would urge the Department to address the risks identified in this report.
The report is available to read on the National Audit Office website