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NETWORK / 5 / SEPTEMBER 2017 L E A D E R C O M M E N T Mention the smart meter rollout at any industry event, and eyes start rolling. It's no secret that the rollout is proving tougher than anticipated. The suppliers, who lobbied so hard to lead the programme, are stuck with spiralling costs, uninterested customers, a looming deadline and a mountain of competing priorities. The networks, who could have led a very di erent, postcode-by-postcode rollout on the model of other countries, are le• picking up the pieces. But these frustrations pale in comparison to darker mutterings of safety concerns. With the 2020 deadline fast approaching, the pace of smart meter installations needs to rise sharply, and there aren't enough quali ed and skilled installers to go around. This is a particular concern for gas meters, where a mistake could have tragic consequences. A GDN source tells Network this month that Ofgem has reminded suppliers and installers of their safety obligations with regards to the rollout. Frankly, it shouldn't have to do so. Pressure is mounting for the 2020 deadline to be extended, or loosened in some way that gives suppliers enough time to do the job properly. Giving the rollout more time might also create an opportunity to address the missed opportunity of carbon monoxide testing. Getting the job done in a cost-e‰ cient way and getting customers on board is one thing; but if safety is being compromised by the deadline, then there's no room for debate: it must move. •The network industry leads the way on collaboration, and took a further step forward this month with the proposal, via ENA, to develop joint innovation strategies. This builds on the great work done by companies such as Cadent and Northern Gas Networks, which are collaborating on the groundbreaking H21 project. It also paves the way for cross-vector innovation studies: a gamechanger that could help turn the vision of whole-system thinking into a reality. C OMING SO ON ∙ Innovation projects: special report • Asset management • Health and safety YOUR NET W ORK Give the people what they want Let us know what projects, technologies and topics you want us to cover Have your say Express your opinions and respond to content by blogging or writing for the magazine A social Network Follow us on Twitter: @Network_mag Email the editor: ellenbennett@fav-house.com gamechanger that could help turn the vision of whole-system thinking into a Ellen Bennett ellenbennett@fav-house.com