The government has been accused of “dithering” over the compulsory rollout of smart meters to domestic and small business customers, by delaying a decision until after this year at the earliest.

The attack came from Tory and Liberal Democrat MPs in the Commons, after energy minister Malcolm Wicks rejected attempts to write a deadline for the introduction of smart meters into the government’s Energy Bill.

Wicks defended the government’s decision to drop plans, announced a year ago, requiring energy companies to supply smart display units to customers.

“The main thrust must be the development of the more sophisticated smart meter technology before taking any final decisions on a small business and domestic rollout,” said Wicks.

Ampy Metering, supplier for three of the government’s four smart metering trials, ­ said the rollout would cost £7.2bn less than the government’s £16.1bn estimate.

Tory shadow energy minister Charles Hendry said the government “should have gone further” by accepting a 10-year deadline for the meters.

Liberal Democrat spokesman Steve Webb agreed with the need for interoperability and optimum technology, but said: “I do not see why another 12 months, 18 months or any other period of consultation and dithering will make that any more likely.”

The Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform announced last week that there will be a further six months of consultation.