Energy supply licence conditions enable the Secretary of State to specify a date from which energy suppliers must take all reasonable steps to install a compliant smart meter where a meter is replaced or where a meter is installed for the first time (e.g. in new premises). This is referred to as the ‘New and Replacement Obligation’ (NRO).
On 22 January 2019, BEIS published a consultation seeking stakeholder views on the proposal to activate the NRO on 31 March 2019.
Following consideration of the consultation responses, BEIS now consider a 31 March 2019 activation date would not have given energy suppliers sufficient time to prepare for compliance with the NRO. BEIS have thus concluded that the NRO should be activated on 30 June 2019. The NRO is subject to ‘all reasonable steps’, which BEIS believe should provide energy suppliers with a degree of operational flexibility.
The consultation response letter and associated document can be found here
If you require any more information, please contact smartmetering@beis.gov.uk.