Source: NIST

July saw a huge surge in installations of smart meters which saw a jump by 120% from the previous month.

This has shown a pick up in pace from installations coming to a halt when lockdown was enforced due to Covid-19. In comparison, June installations suffered tremendously compared to the previous year with a 67% fall.

Figures estimate that 152,000 meters were installed throughout July with the most installations occurring in the East of England. Since the programme was implemented, over 13 million meters have been installed.

June saw the restart of installation programmes rolled out tentatively for the first time since March’s lockdown on business. Prior to the lockdown, half of suppliers had been struggling to meet their installation milestones for 2019. This caused the government to aid the transition by extending the obligation for them to take All Reasonable Steps (ARS) on installation by 6 months.

Suppliers now face July 2021 to successfully meet the milestones for installation required for the ARS stage.

With the sudden boost in smart meter installations, there is also interest in smart meter apprenticeships training courses. With smart meters being an essential enabler of energy efficiency and green based technologies, demand is currently high to reduce carbon emissions and costs going forward.

With smart meters being part of a wider government initiative, people have been quick to notice that a green energy apprenticeships can help play a significant part in the future energy revolution as well as create a new career path of active working.

With every home throughout the UK in need of a smart meter fitted throughout the next year, the need for qualified gas and electric smart meter fitters is at an all time high with some companies feeling the need to add to their workforce as soon as possible, meaning that those suddenly qualified can find their workload thrust on them straight away.