In August 2007 the Government published its consultation, Energy billing and metering: changing customer behaviour. This followed publication of the 2007 Energy white paper: meeting the energy challenge which underlined the Government’s commitment to the reduction of carbon emissions and highlighted the role that consumers could play in reducing their own energy consumption. Among other things, the consultation invited views on a proposal to require gas and electricity suppliers to install smart meters in those parts of the SME sector, above a certain usage threshold, where it is cost-effective to do so.

The Government published its response to the consultation in April 2008. It noted that, in general, there had been support from respondents for the smart metering proposals for business. The Government confirmed that it will require electricity and gas suppliers to provide advanced meters to electricity customers in Profile Classes 5-8 and gas customers with annual consumption above 732MWh by 2013. This consultation is now seeking evidence about advanced or smart metering for businesses and public sector organisations below these thresholds.