Smart meter installation deadlines – comment from Uswitch’s Head of Regulation, Richard Neudegg
Richard Neudegg, head of regulation at Uswitch.com comments on the Government’s plan for smart meter installation deadlines (published 18/06/2020): “Even before lockdown started, it had become completely clear that the end of 2020 target for smart meters to be installed in all households was not going to be achieved. While the speed of install before lockdown was gathering pace, as it stands today only 31% of homes have a fully functioning smart meter.
“The Government has confirmed that it will be moving to a new four year plan to continue rollout, giving energy suppliers flexibility on the timeframe while still driving to get smart meters into as many homes as possible. We will have to wait to see the specific targets set for suppliers, taking into account the delays caused by the lockdown.
“Smart meter installations have now resumed, albeit under strict socially distanced conditions. Installers have developed ‘no contact’ visits, which typically involve customers being in a different room to the engineer.
“The rollout has been plagued with problems so far, including earlier devices ‘going dumb’, so much more work needs to be done to rebuild consumer confidence.
“Smart meters are an important part of a future greener energy system. But, for anyone thinking about getting one, smart meters can also offer real practical value, preventing the need for meter readings and providing far more accurate bills.
“Unfortunately two million households still rely on their provider’s meter readers visiting their property. When visits are delayed for any reason, as has been the case during lockdown, bills can quickly become inaccurate and will likely cause a nasty surprise later down the line.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Charlottte Nunes
Phone: 020 3872 5614
Email: charlotte.nunes@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors
Uswitch’s guide to smart meters provides more detail on the different types of meter and how they can help consumers save money.
[1]https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/887809/Q1_2020_Smart_Meters_Statistics_Report_FINAL.pdf [2]Uswitch research: Brits set for £288m post-lockdown bill shock
About us
It’s all about “U”!
Thank you for indulging us over the last 20 years by using a small ‘u’ and a big ‘S’ when writing about our brand in your articles.
We are delighted to let you know that you are now off the hook - it’s big U’s all the way (and small s’s) as we undertake our biggest ever rebrand - so let your autocorrect go wild!
About Uswitch
Uswitch is the UK’s top comparison website for home services switching. Launched in September 2000, we help consumers save money on their gas, electricity, broadband, mobile, TV, and financial services products and get more of what matters to them. Last year we saved consumers over £373 million on their energy bills alone.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a new business that also owns Money.co.uk and Bankrate.
If you would no longer like to receive our press releases please email prteam@uswitch.com with 'unsubscribe'.