Brits unaware of smart meters, report finds

10/11/2009

New devices that could help customers cut electricity bills over the long term are not widely-known among the public, it has been revealed.

uSwitch, a price comparison website, said that 57 per cent of Brits do not know what a smart meter is - despite the fact that the government is likely to launch a £13 billion national roll-out to install them in every home.

Smart meters differ from traditional energy meters in that they give a "real time" signal of how much gas and electricity a home is using.

This means that householders can check the meters to see where they are wasting the most energy and adjust their habits - improving their energy efficiency and, it is hoped, reducing bills.

However, uSwitch said that the initial investment cost of installing the meters could actually add to customer bills initially.

Figures cited by the report suggest that homes could be paying as much as £550 more a year over the next 15 years.

Will Marples, energy expert at uSwitch, said: "The switch to smart meters could be a disaster unless people fully understand the reasoning behind the move and how it will benefit them in the long run."

He added: "Consumer education is a priority if the roll-out is to be a success, but it's also important that the final specification of the meters meets consumer needs and gives householders all the information they need in a simple to use format."

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Young Family Finances, Retirement Money Problems,

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