The CER initiated the Smart Metering Project in 2007 with the purpose of undertaking trials to assess the performance of Smart Meters, their impact on consumers’ energy consumption and the economic case for a wider national rollout. It is a collaborative energy industry-wide project managed by the CER and actively involving energy industry participants including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR), ESB Networks, Bord Gáis Networks, Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy and other energy suppliers. The Smart Metering Electricity Customer Behaviour Trials (CBTs) took place during 2009 and 2010 with over 5,000 Irish homes and businesses participating. The purpose of the trials was to assess the impact on consumer’s electricity consumption in order to inform the cost-benefit analysis for a national rollout. Electric Ireland residential and business customers, and Bord Gáis Energy business customers, who participated in the trials had an electricity smart meter installed in their homes/premises and agreed to take part in research to help establish how smart metering can help shape energy usage behaviours across a variety of demographics, lifestyles and home sizes.

A representative sample of over 5,000 residential consumers and 650 businesses throughout Ireland participated in the electricity customer behaviour trials. These participants were allocated across different test groups and a control group by the statistical advisors to ensure a robust experimental trial design. Recruitment for the trials began in September 2008 and all smart meters were installed by end-June 2009.

Telephone interview: CATI

Measurements and tests