Angela Rippon joins Smart Energy GB to highlight the challenges of energy management for over-70s and benefits of making a smart switch

• More than half (55%) of those over 70 with an analogue energy meter want more help staying on top of their household energy use
• Six in ten (61%) of over 70s with a smart meter said they wish they had switched to one earlier than they did
• Broadcaster Angela Rippon appears in a new film in which she shares experiences with households, and sets out the advantages of making the switch
• Smart Energy GB has partnered with fuel poverty charity National Energy Action to highlight the benefits of switching to a smart meter for customers on a prepay plan
• A smart meter provides both debit and prepay customers with visibility of energy use – and with smart prepay you can see on the display when credit is about to run out, and easily top up from home

Smart Energy GB has teamed up with broadcaster, Angela Rippon, to help older Brits monitor and understand their energy use at home.  

New research reveals Britain’s older generations face continued challenges when it comes to managing their household energy use.

Among those aged 70 and over who pay for their energy by direct debit, more than half (55%) are looking for more help to stay on top of their energy use. For those who haven’t yet made the switch, smart meters could be the solution, as six in ten (61%) of those 70+ with one already installed said they wish they had made the switch earlier than they did.              

When it comes to energy use at home, keeping track can be tricky without visibility of how much is being used. Smart meters come with ahandy display unit which shows households in near-real time how much energy they’re using and what it costs in pounds and pence. They also provide meter readings to your supplier automatically, so you don’t have to.  

Being armed with knowledge on energy use helps people to identify simple ways to be more energy efficient, while feeling more on top of their finances.

For broadcaster Angela Rippon, having greater control of her energy use was a key driver in making the switch to smart:

Broadcaster, Angela Rippon says “Like most people I had analogue meters for gas and electricity for years.  So when I was offered one of the new smart meters, and was made aware of the benefits, I saw this as a real advance in so many ways.  I no longer have to give meter readings every month, because  all the information on my usage goes straight through to my supplier, so no more estimated bills.  And most importantly, the in house display unit tells me exactly how much energy I am using, and what its costing.  So I can take control of how and when I use household appliances.  I can make small changes around the house that have made me more energy efficient.  And this is certainly having an effect on my utility bills . It’s all effortless, and really a win win, for me.”

And the benefits of smart meters are even more striking among those who prepay for their energy.

With analogue energy meters, it’s harder to keep track of your energy spend and see when prepaid credit is close to running out.  Research shows almost half (49%) of Brits aged 70 and over with an analogue prepay meter have been caught out and run out of credit before being able to top up.

This has led to many relying on either ‘friendly’ or emergency credit– features provided by energy suppliers, which let households continue to use electricity even after their meter has run out.

Over three quarters (77%) of those over 70 with an analogue prepay meter make up to four trips a month to a shop to top up their credit.

Many people aren’t aware of the simple solution a smart prepay meter can offer. Smart prepay meters allow households to easily see when they are close to using up credit on the in-home display and can be topped up from home via a landline phone, mobile or online, as well as from a shop.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action campaign for the smart meter rollout to prioritise the replacement of traditional prepayment meters in order for vulnerable households to access the significant benefits.

Matt Copeland, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at National Energy Action, says “We’ve seen through our work, when prepay customers upgrade to smart meters they can unlock many benefits. It means more choice of tariff and supplier, and importantly greater ease of topping up. We hope that this new research can help show prepayment meter customers how a smart meter could make a difference.”

Derek Hart, aged 84, from London, has an analogue prepay meter and has previously accidentally run out of credit. This caused much worry for his daughter, Sarah (37) as it left her unable to call his landline phone, which needs to be plugged in to function.

In a new film released by Smart Energy GB, Angela Rippon speaks to Derek and Sarah, alongside Eunice Barth (88), and her close friend, Joy Phillips (61), about some of the challenges and inconvenience they face relying on traditional energy meters and how making the switch to a smart meter could help.

Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB comments “It’s important for people of all generations to feel like they have the tools to understand and manage their energy use – smart meters give everyone the visibility they need to do this. Many of the people we spoke to wished they’d made the switch earlier, showing the clear practical benefits of upgrading from analogue to a smart meter.

If you’re on a prepay plan, with a smart meter you can top up from the comfort of your own home and use an in-home display to easily see when your credit is running low, which provides vital peace of mind and avoids the hassle of having to make a trip out.”

For further information search ‘Get a smart meter’ or visit https://www.smartenergygb.org/