Latest findings on the impact of smart meters from Smart energy outlook

Smart Energy GB, the voice of the smart meter rollout, today publishes Smart energy outlook, the largest independent barometer of national public opinion on energy and smart meters. 

 

This latest edition of Smart energy outlook shows that over eight in ten (81 per cent) of people who have upgraded to a smart meter would recommend them to others. 

 

Consistent with previous Smart energy outlook reports, the latest round of research shows that a large majority of people with smart meters are using the technology on a regular basis to keep their energy costs under control. Eighty two per cent of people with smart meters are taking steps to reduce their energy use. 

 

Smart energy outlook also shows the importance of in-home displays (IHDs) in helping people get their gas and electricity under control. IHDs are handheld devices that show at a glance, in pounds and pence and in near real time, how much energy is being used. Every household is offered one, at no extra cost, when they get their smart meters from their suppliers.

 

The research shows that those who have IHDs are using them regularly to save energy. Eight out of ten people with an IHD check it regularly. Nearly nine in ten (88 per cent) of those with an IHD say that they have a better idea of what they’re spending on energy, compared to 76 per cent of those who have a smart meter but not an IHD.

 

Smart energy outlook is carried out for Smart Energy GB, twice a year, by independent research agency Populus. It surveys more than 10,000 people around the country. The report has found:

 

• Over eight in ten (81 per cent) of people with a smart meter would recommend them to other

• Over eight in ten (82 per cent) of people with a smart meter have taken at least one step to reduce their energy us

• Eight in ten people with an IHD use it regularly (at least a few times per month)

• 88 per cent of those with an IHD say that they have a better idea of what they’re spending on energy, compared to 76 per cent who have a smart meter but no IHD

 

Everyone in Great Britain will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier between now and 2020, at no additional cost. Smart meters bring an end to estimated bills and show people what they’re spending in pounds and pence, in near real time via an IHD.

 

Commenting on the findings, Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said:

 

“It’s great to see so many people using and loving their smart meters. Eight out of ten say they would recommend one, which is an exceptionally high level of approval. 

 

“Millions of homes are already enjoying the benefits of accurate bills and the ability to see, in pounds and pence, how much gas and electricity they are using. I hope that many more people pick up the phone to ask their energy supplier for their smart meter, so that they too can start enjoying these benefits.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

The full research can be downloaded from our website here.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the voice of the smart meter rollout. It’s our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to get their gas and electricity under control. Our national campaign has already begun and will reach all households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales. 

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters will replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They will provide consumers with accurate bills, near real time information on energy usage in pounds and pence, and greater control over their gas and electricity. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. Between now and 2020, everyone across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier at no extra cost. Almost 5 million smart meters have already been installed across Great Britain. To find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier, pick up a leaflet from your local Post Office® branch or visit this page.

Smart Energy GB media contacts

For more information including interview requests, case studies of smart meter users, infographics, photography and video content please contact the Smart Energy GB media team:

Stephen Shawcross: [email protected]; 0203 019 1057 / 07739 659 895

Janqui Mehta: [email protected]; 0203 019 1063 / 07715 665 112