Precautions taken to stop the spread of the Coronavirus have delayed the rollout of smart meters in the UK.
The installations of smart meters have been suspended as ‘all non-essential field-based activities’ have been halted to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
Energy UK has confirmed that its members have been prompted to delay any installations of smart meters until advised otherwise.
The trade association claims that suppliers will still work to prevent and resolve any emergency situations should they arise but due to government advice in regard to social distancing, smart meter installations at homes and businesses are practically impossible.
Smart Metering Systems (SMS), an installer based in Glasgow also announced that it will pause any on-going installations and that its offices and warehouses are now closed due to the pandemic. However, SMS will still provide emergency support and continue to run its IT systems.
Smart Energy GB said: “It is vital that people follow government regulations on what to do over the coming weeks. Unless you are a key worker, stay at home and practice good hand washing hygiene.
“Following the announcement of a national lockdown for non-essential workers, many energy suppliers will now cease or substantially reduce the number of smart meter installations they carry out, diverting staff to deal with emergencies and to assist vulnerable customers.
“This will have an impact on the smart meter rollout but these steps are the right response to help keep us all as safe and well as possible.”
Energy operations will be impacted across the UK during the current situation, you can read about Apollo energy’s business continuity planning here.