Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 21 hrs ago
Spain will replace millions of gas meters with digital units by 2036
Spain will replace up to eight million analogue gas meters with digital units that can send readings remotely.
The change covers homes and small businesses using up to 50,000 kilowatt-hours of gas a year.
The replacement schedule starts in 2029 and ends in October 2036, with targets for 20% of meters by 2029, 50% by 2031 and 80% by 2033.
Remote readings are intended to reduce estimated bills and the need for technicians to enter homes, while the government says the new meters could also cut gas use and emissions.
The meter installation will usually cost consumers nothing, but they may have to pay if their internal installation needs major work to meet technical or safety rules.
Gas distributors must give at least three months’ initial notice, followed by details of the technician’s visit at least 15 days in advance.
Consumers can choose to own or rent the new meter, and rental charges can begin only once it is connected to remote-reading systems and the user can access its data.
Spain will replace up to eight million household and small-business analog gas meters with digital meters by October 2036.
The regulation covers supply points with annual gas consumption of up to 50,000 kilowatt-hours.
The replacement schedule begins in 2029, with 20% of meters due to be changed by October that year.
Consumers will not pay for installation unless their internal gas systems need significant adjustments to meet technical and safety rules.
The new meters will allow remote readings and are expected by the ministry to reduce gas consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
- Who
- Households and small businesses in Spain with annual gas use of up to 50,000 kWh. Gas network companies must carry out the replacements.
- What
- Analog gas meters will be replaced with digital meters that support remote readings.
- When
- The schedule begins in 2029 and must be completed by October 2036. The order takes effect on 28 October 2026.
- Where
- Spain.
- Why
- The new meters will support remote management, avoid estimated readings and are expected to reduce gas use and CO2 emissions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The ministry had been working on the meter replacement project since at least this year.
The gas sector asked for more time to complete the replacement.
The government published the order setting the final replacement schedule.
At least 20% of the covered meters must have been replaced.
At least 50% of the covered meters must have been replaced.
The replacement process must be complete.
- Maximum annual consumption covered
- 50,000 kWh
- Replacement deadline
- October 2036
- Meters to be replaced
- Up to 8 million
- First replacement milestone
- 20% by October 2029
- Installation cost
- No consumer charge unless significant internal-system adjustments are needed
- Expected savings
- More than €800 million over the new meters’ 25-year life, according to the ministry
4 sources
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