The programme, which will lead the installation of 53 million meters in households and at smaller non-domestic premises by 2020, is the largest energy infrastructure project in decades.
The Government’s vision is for every home to have smart electricity and gas meters, and for smaller business and public sector premises to have smart or advanced metering suited to their needs. The roll-out of smart meters will play an important part in Britain’s transition to a low-carbon economy and help us meet some of the long-term challenges we face in ensuring an affordable, secure and sustainable energy supply.
This is the Government’s second annual progress report on the smart metering programme in Great Britain and provides an introduction to smart metering and its benefits to consumers. The report gives a high-level overview of the steps that the Government and the energy industry are taking to prepare for the roll-out of smart meters, which is expected to start in earnest in Autumn 2015. The report reflects the significant developments in the smart metering programme since December 2012.
The report which includes a Ministerial Foreword by Baroness Verma of Leicester, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, has a number of references to the National Skills Academy for Power which can be found on page 14, section 3.3-3.7 and also below:
Training and recruitment
3.3 Suppliers are planning ahead to establish how many back office staff and meter installers will be required to achieve their planned number of installations throughout the roll-out period. Suppliers have created, and in some cases begun using, training programmes for their back office staff, such as call centre workers, to be able to deal with specific smart meter-related queries and provide energy efficiency advice.
3.4 Suppliers will also need to ensure that sufficient, competent meter installers are available to efficiently and safely complete the roll-out by 2020. Suppliers have worked closely with DECC and the National Skills Academy for Power (NSAP) to create models which estimate the resources required and to establish training strategy.
3.5 Suppliers have been adopting a number of approaches to ensure they have enough meter installers. Some have been using this as an opportunity to re-train current installers and meter readers, as well as recruiting and training new staff; others have chosen to procure installers through contractors.
3.6 Under the Installation Code of practice all smart meter installers will need to meet a national training standard, leading to an NVQ Level 2 Diploma for successful trainees, before they become qualified to install smart meters. This standard, developed by suppliers in conjunction with NSAP is required for both new recruits and existing members of the industry and on completion individuals will achieve accredited status allowing them to fit meters. A database of all such qualified installers will also be maintained by industry.
3.7 Considerable progress has been made this year both in terms of recruitment and training. A number of suppliers have significantly increased their smart meter capability and training centres have been established in more than 10 locations across the country. The content of the training courses has continued to evolve as learning is gained during the Foundation stage and key programme milestones are met, notably the Procurement of the communications and data service providers.
Download Second Annual Report on the Roll-out of Smart Meters