Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B Hopkins and H M Morris.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve, as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Communities Cabinet Advisory Committee held on 10 September 2015.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Communities Cabinet  Advisory Committee held on 10 September, 2015 be approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Fflur Lawton, Head of Policy and Communications (Wales), Smart Energy GB Ltd.

Fflur Lawton, Head of Policy and Communications (Wales), Smart Energy GB, Ltd provided a presentation on Smart Meter Update.

The presentation detailed:

·       Great Britain needs an upgrade;

·       Why Smart Meters?

·       How do they work?

·       The Process;

·       Smart pre-payment;

·       The reality;

·       Our challenge;

·       Partnerships;

·       Smarter future.

Members and Officers asked questions of Ms Lawton who responded accordingly.

Key issues arising from discussions included:

·       There are no costs to the customer associated with Smart Energy Meters, the relevant energy companies have responsibility to roll out the introduction of Smart Meters in line with EU legislation

·       The decision to install a smart meter is at the discretion of the individual responsible for paying the utilities;

·       Local authorities have a role to play in promoting the initiative through in-house publications and ward members;

·       Once installed the Smart Meter will stay with the property;

·       Energy companies have differing timescales for the roll-out of the scheme and will advise customers accordingly;

·       Methods of payment will remain the same with customers having the ability to pay via the internet or via the shop. 

·       The smart meter allows customers to set alarms and monitor spend on utilities;

·       Smart meters will be installed at the cite of current meters and talks are on-going with the RNIB regarding specific displays and mobile phone ‘apps’;

·       Engagement with ‘hard to reach’ groups present a challenge and Smart Energy GB is working in partnership with energy suppliers and regional and local groups;

·       The replacement costs in respect of the ‘in home display’ device would differ between energy suppliers;

·       The opportunities available to local authorities to negotiate cheaper energy supplies (following authorities such as Bristol, Nottingham and Harringay);

·       Details of Energy companies timescales for roll out of the scheme are not shared with Smart Energy GB;

·       Customers decide whether to share details of their energy consumption with third parties;

·       Customer savings could be £20 a year rising to £40 following a few years of Smart Meter adoption;

·       The Smart meter produces data every half hour and could be a useful tool when monitoring the wellbeing of individuals in sheltered accommodation (with their permission); and

·       Technological advances (within companies) are progressing to enable solar panels and smart meters to communicate, however, timescales are unknown at the moment.

The Chair thanked Ms Lawton for her informative presentation.

RESOLVED that the presentation be noted.

The Chair advised that the remit of the Committee encompassed housing, energy and anti-poverty.  He referred to the housing issues already covered within the work plan and stated that he would like to concentrate on items relating to the Poverty agenda in the next meeting.

RESOLVED that the Democratic Services Officer organise relevant Officers to attend the Committee and provide presentations on the following topics:

1.     Welfare Reform Update incorporating Third Sector Risks; and

2.     Restructuring of Communities First.