<Li> Based on the Royal Decrees a meter substitution plan was established with an obligation to install smart meters for all consumers under 15 kW by 2018; by 31 December 2010, 30% of the contracts from each distribution company below 15 kW should have the smart meter installed; distribution companies are responsible for the installation of the meters . </Li> <P> The Smart Metering obligations were established in December 2007 with the national meter substitution plan for end - users up to 15 kW . The aim is to support remote energy management systems . The plan is managed by the Ministry of Industry, with a deadline for the completion of the plan by 31 December 2018 . All DSOs had to submit their substitution plans to the regional governments . A binding target of 30% of all customers was set for 2010 . This initial target could not be reached by any of the DSOs, however, due to a late approval of the substitution plan (in May 2009), technological uncertainties in terms of system communication, alleged supply problems of certified meters that were available only in June 2010 and ongoing negotiations with the regulators about the level of cost acceptance . </P> <P> In August 2007, the UK Government held a consultation on improving metering and information about power consumption . The consultation attached the necessary draft regulations and proposed that, from 2008, domestic customers should provide comparative historical consumption data and electricity suppliers should provide a real - time display unit within time limits . For business customers, it was proposed that gas and electricity suppliers should install smart meters in those parts of the SME sector, where it had been shown to be cost - effective to do so and where such a meter was not already installed . </P> <P> In December 2009, the United Kingdom's Department of Energy and Climate Change announced its intention to have smart meters in all homes in Great Britain by 2020 . The model is a competitive, supplier - led roll - out with a central communications body, called the Data and Communications Company (DCC), which was established in September 2013 . As well as the DCC, the government established Smart Energy GB to lead the nationwide publicity for the roll - out programme . </P>

When were smart meters introduced in the uk