Concerns for future of staff as smart meters to be rolled out

It is unclear what the future holds for NIE’s meter readers following the announcement from the Economy Minister

Unite the Union, which represents staff at NIE have called for clarity on the future employment for meter readers following the announcement that smart readers are to be rolled out across Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced that smart readers will be installed in homes across NI from 2028.

There are currently 932,000 electricity connections across Northern Ireland. It is estimated that the cost of rolling the meters out across Northern Ireland will be in the region of £500 million.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Instead of financial support or price caps on surging electricity bills, the economy minister is bringing forward the installation of smart meters as a way to reduce household electricity bills.

“Northern Ireland already has the highest levels of fuel poverty – rather than encourage energy rationing we need to see real action to lower or cap costs.”

Unite regional officer, Joanne McWilliams said: “Unite is demanding that NI Electricity management provides protections for the future employment of meter readers.

“We have also sought assurances that all installations will be completed by professional, directly employed NIE staff, not outsourced to contractors. We will continue to work with the company’s management to secure the best interests of our members – the frontline NIE workforce.”

An NIE spokesperson said: “NIE Networks welcome the publication of the Smart Electricity Meters Design Plan. There remains a lot to be decided, and we look forward to working with partners to develop the detailed programme plan, which will provide more confirmation on how the programme will operate and the skills required.”

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