uSwitch reveals lack of smart meter understanding

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uSwitch reveals lack of smart meter understanding

Tue 10th Nov 2009

As the government plans to install smart meters in all households, 57 per cent of people admitted in a uSwitch survey that they do not know what they are.

The meters, which monitor the level of fuel consumed by a household, are due to be installed in every home by 2020, at an estimated cost of £13.4 billion.

Once the meters were explained to consumers, 71 per cent said they would use them to cut the cost of their bills and 53 per cent would use it to ensure they were being accurately charged.

Will Marples, energy expert at the website, warned that with investment into the scheme estimated to increase annual energy bills by £548 for the next 15 years, the switch could be a disaster unless people understand the benefits.

"At the end of the day household energy bills are likely to increase substantially and consumers will be looking for value for money in return," he said.

Last month the Citizens Advice Bureau reported a 46 per cent rise in the number of people seeking advice on paying their bills this winter.

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