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Smart metres - the £11 billion consumer white elephant?

Posted 04-04-2012 in Latest industry news

Less than half of consumers understand the cost implications of smart-meters, casting doubts over the value of the project to roll out of 30 million devices at a cost of an estimated £11 billion.

A study by uSwitch discovered that knowledge and education about the new metering system is inadequate, with less than two in ten of those polled saying they had a good understanding of what smart-meters do.  This is a concern when key benefits of the new technology – to save energy and money – are reliant on consumers changing their behaviour towards usage.

“Smart meters will provide a golden opportunity for consumers to control and ultimately reduce their energy use. But they need to know about it. Consumer education opens up the possibilities and equips people to make even bigger and better decisions about their energy usage,” says uSwitch director Ann Robinson.