Consumer Focus: Energy companies should help pay the cost of smart meters.
The government announced on December 2nd that by the year 2020 all homes in the UK will have a smart meter installed. These are intended to cut gas and electricity bills by showing real time energy use and therefore, reducing carbon emissions.
Consumer Focus said that since the energy suppliers will “share in the benefits” of the plan, they should also foot part of the bill and the government should ensure that consumers alone are not funding the new smart meter scheme.
“It is good news that standalone displays will be provided with smart meters. This is the key to helping customers identify how they can reduce energy use and save money,” said Zoe McLeod, energy expert for Consumer Focus. She also added that the organization is “concerned” that consumers “don’t write a blank cheque” to fund the plan.
Consumer Focus also urged the government to put measures in place to protect consumers regarding remote disconnection.