The Chair of Manx Utilities says the installation of smart meters is scheduled to be mostly finished by the end of 2026.
As of August 28, the MUA has installed over 27,500 smart meters, with approximately 22,000 still to be installed.
Answering a question in Tynwald, John Wannenburgh said: “Customers who prefer not to use smart functionality can opt for a non-communicating smart meter, but retaining an old-style meter is no longer possible.”
To date, only two customers have fully opted out and are paying the Basic Tariff.
Tariff
On the matter of cost, he said: “Charging for meter reading begins from the point the meter is installed with the communications module disabled.”
Customers on the basic tariff will have their meters read four times a year by staff, which incurs “an uplifted daily standing charge, currently set at 73.2p per day”.
The Chair also addressed customer worries saying that the MUA has “noted concerns from 337 customers”.
While some have since accepted installation, the remainder will be contacted to “explain the options available to them”.
He confirmed that a like-for-like replacement of traditional meters is not possible.
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