Capita preferred for smart meter communication licence

14 August 2013 Capita preferred applicant for smart meter communication licence Capita plc today announces that it has been selected, subject to finalapprovals, by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as successfulapplicant for the smart meter communication licence. The licence would becomeeffective from September 2013 and the arrangement is expected to generaterevenues to Capita of some £175m over 12 years (with an option to be extendedfor a further 6 years). If appointed Capita would be responsible for the effective overall management,implementation and evolution of the national smart metering infrastructure.Capita will work alongside energy suppliers who will install new smart gas andelectricity meters in 30 million British homes and, subject to contract, with anumber of other providers, to implement and run the data and communicationsinfrastructure and service. Capita plc chief executive, Paul Pindar, said:"Smart metering will be thebiggest step change in the retail energy sector since the industry wasprivatised, more than 25 years ago. It will provide clear benefits forconsumers, allowing them to better manage energy consumption and thereforecost. It will make it easier to switch suppliers, benefiting the mostcompetitive energy companies and will support the Government's drive to reducethe UK's over reliance on expensive, imported and dwindling supplies of fossilfuel. Managing the national rollout programme is a huge logistical andtechnical challenge but Capita's scale and pedigree in achieving largetransformation projects will help to ensure that this programme meets itsmilestones in a cost efficient manner." -ends- For further information: Capita plc Tel: 020 7799 1525 Paul Pindar, Chief Executive Officer Shona Nichols, Corporate Communications Director Media enquiries only: Capita press office Caroline Mooney Tel: 020 7654 2152 or 020 7654 2399 (out of hours) Email: [email protected] Notes to editors Capita plc is the UK's leading provider of business process management andintegrated professional support solutions. With 52,500 people at more than 350sites, including 70 business centres across the UK, Europe, India and SouthAfrica, the Group uses its expertise, infrastructure and scale benefits totransform its clients' services, driving down costs and adding value. Capita isquoted on the London Stock Exchange (CPI.L), and is a constituent of the FTSE100 with 2012 revenue of £3.4 billion and underlying profit before tax of £426million. Further information on Capita plc can be found at: www.capita.co.uk