In order to ensure cybersecurity, ESO adjusts the smart meter installation schedule

• The roll-out schedule adjusted because the cybersecurity equipment, which previously was planned to be installed in parallel to smart meters, will be installed and tested before the installation of the meters
  
• When rescheduling, it was calculated to ensure the lowest reasonable costs of installation
  
• The smart meter roll-out will start in the first half of 2022

Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius (ESO), in order to ensure cybersecurity requirements and to reduce any potential threats as much as possible, adjusted the smart meter roll-out schedule.

According to the updated schedule, the installation for the residents who consume more than 1000 kWh of electricity annually and businesses will commence in the first half of 2022 and will be completed by the end of 2025.  It was announced previously that installation works will be started in Q4 2021 and completed by the end of 2023.  

The changes were mainly driven by the analysis performed with the successful supplier Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS, where it was assessed that in order to ensure cybersecurity risk management and verify if the decision is sound in the long term, before starting the installation of smart meters, a hardware and software of the security infrastructure must be installed and tested. Installing this infrastructure will ensure the highest level of cybersecurity as well as information confidentiality, integrity and authorised access.   

Smart meters and hardware and software of the security infrastructure were previously scheduled to be installed in parallel, i.e., at the same time as the smart meter roll-out. However, considering the currently increasing importance of cybersecurity and to avoid or minimise potential risks, it was decided that such rescheduling is a must.  

It is also important that with the rescheduling, an optimal implementation period is ensured by ensuring the lowest reasonable costs of installation works, compared to the alternatives. It is estimated that by the end of 2023, over 80 % of all electricity distributed by the ESO network will be accounted with the help of installed smart meters.  

The total smart metering infrastructure project investment value reaches EUR 150 million and in 2019, according to positive results of the cost-benefit analysis performed, it has been coordinated with the National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC). This investment is a part of ESO activities regulated by NERC, and is financed, respectively, during the lifetime of the investment as a part of the general tariff. The residents will not have to pay for the installation of smart meters separately or individually. The total sum comprises not only the concluded agreement with Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS regarding the implementation of the meters, which reaches about EUR 77 million, but also other aspects related to the implementation of the programme.  It includes management of the current systems, creation of other related IT solutions and services as well as education of the clients and the public on the matter.