Smart meters roll-out plan announced
Summary
Government plans to install smart electricity and gas meters in all British homes a year ahead of deadline have been announced in ‘Preparations for the Roll-Out of Smart Meters’ (HC 1617)’.
This large complex scheme proposed by the European Directive is estimated to cost £11.7 billion and will provide 30 million UK homes with exact details of their gas and electricity usage, with significant uncertainties over the benefits involved.
This challenging programme will be applied across all homes and smaller non-domestic premises in Great Britain by 2019 rather than the proposed 2020.
Smart meters show exactly how much gas and electricity is being used rather than customers receiving monthly estimated bills - which could lead to overpayments.
The report warns that there is presently no transparent mechanism for ensuring savings to the supplier will be passed on to consumers.
Chairman of the Committee, Labour MP Margaret Hodge, said: "Consumers will benefit from smart meters only if they understand the opportunity to reduce their energy bills and change their behaviour…Otherwise, the only people who will benefit are the energy suppliers."
Gearoid Lane, managing director of British Gas New Markets, said: "Our customers have told us loud and clear about how they are benefiting from smart meters.”
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