Government says new smart metering project under way to provide more consistent electricity billing

The Government says a new smart metering project is under way to provide more consistent electricity billing.

In response to GBC questions following concerns about sharp increases in January electricity bills, a spokesperson says the spike is largely down to timing rather than higher tariffs.

Meter reading, billing and collection are carried out by AquaGib, under an outsourcing arrangement with the Gibraltar Electricity Authority.

Number Six Convent Place says electricity is charged at a single flat rate, regardless of the time of day it is used, meaning consumption at peak hours costs the same as overnight use.

It says January bills are often higher because the period between meter readings is extended over Christmas, when offices close for around two weeks.

As a result, more days of electricity use are captured in a single bill.

The Government also points to Christmas lighting and increased household usage during the festive period, adding that any imbalance is usually corrected when the February bill is issued.

It says meters are normally read monthly, and that estimated readings are clearly marked on bills when used.

However, it has confirmed there is no contractual requirement for a minimum number of readings each year.

It adds that nearly 24,000 meters are read manually each month, and work continues on a smart metering project aimed at enabling remote readings and more consistent billing periods.