We consulted on proposals to drive new non-domestic smart meter installations post-2025 in support of the Clean Power 2030 Mission and to protect non-domestic consumers in the transition to smart-contingent contracts. This government response summarises the consultation feedback and sets out the government’s final decisions. It confirms that:

• the government is progressing with the smart-contingent contracts policy package. The scope of the policy will be limited to small and medium non-domestic sites (“designated premises”) in the first instance
• the universal implementation requirement will come into effect from 1 September 2027. After this date, if energy suppliers enter into new fixed term energy contracts with non-domestic customers, they must ensure the contract includes a term which provides that the customer has, or agrees to have, smart or advanced meters installed in their designated premises
• the universal communication requirement will come into effect from 1 January 2027. After this date, suppliers must start to communicate the upcoming policy changes so that non-domestic consumers understand what is expected, why and when
• energy suppliers must be fully compliant with the legally binding consumer protection code by 1 September 2027 (though we would encourage suppliers to ensure new fixed term contracts are compliant sooner, where feasible)
• alongside the government response in annex B, the government has published policy guidance to support implementation of the policy package. This includes - case studies to drive consistency in supplier implementation (annex B- Part 1), guidance to support cooperation between commercial landlords and tenants (annex B- Part 2), and a guide for non-domestic consumers on their rights and expectations regarding smart-contingent contracts (annex B- Part 3)
• the government has also published a toolkit to help energy suppliers communicate the rollout of smart-contingent contracts and associated policy changes, which draws on insights from research undertaken with non-domestic customers. Read the energy supplier toolkit and research report

We received 46 responses to the consultation from a wide range of stakeholders, including: non-domestic consumers and representatives, non-domestic energy suppliers and representatives, third-party intermediaries, metering organisations and code bodies.