Energy
AI
Estonia Delays EU Smart Meter Rollout to 2035 to Cut Consumer Costs
Estonia has postponed the nationwide installation of EU-mandated smart electricity meters until March 1, 2035, a move designed to save consumers an estimated €5.4 million by allowing current hardware to be used until the end of its service life.
- —Estonia has extended the deadline for replacing electricity meters with those capable of 15-minute interval readings, pushing the final compliance date from 2030 to March 1, 2035, to reduce costs for consumers.
- —The delay is intended to allow network companies to use existing meters until the end of their service life, saving an estimated €5.4 million for consumers and deferring €100 million in investments.
- —The new meters are required by an EU directive to enable more precise consumption management, aligning with the Nord Pool electricity exchange's switch to 15-minute increments.
- —Network operators will be obligated to provide consumers with access to near real-time measurement data via the electricity meter interface starting September 1, 2026.
- —While the deadline is extended, stakeholders emphasize there is no immediate urgency for most consumers, particularly those on fixed-price contracts, to replace their meters.
Recap
Estonia's decision to delay the EU-mandated meter upgrade is a calculated move to prioritize consumer financial stability over rapid regulatory compliance. By allowing existing infrastructure to run its course, the government mitigates immediate economic pressure while still phasing in key technological benefits like real-time data access, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to integrating with the EU's evolving energy market.