Consumer Focus: Smart meter announcement

In response to today's announcement, Zoe McLeod, energy expert for Consumer Focus, said: ‘Smart meters have the potential to help bring energy customers out of the dark - by ending estimated bills and making people aware of the savings they could make.

‘It is good news that standalone displays will be provided with smart meters. This is key to helping customers identify how they can reduce energy use and save money.

‘We are however concerned that consumers don't write a blank cheque to fund smart meter roll-out. Suppliers will share in the benefits of this scheme and should also share the costs.

Consumer Focus is pleased that the UK Government has recognised the issues that could potentially arise from this technology for consumers - such as remote disconnection. The consumer champion is urging the Government to put consumer protection measures in place as soon as possible, as many thousands of consumers already have this technology.

Consumer Focus also wants all smart meters to have a pre-payment facility, as this could reduce bills for many low income households.