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

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

This latest edition of Smart energy outlook has found that nearly eight in ten (79 per cent) of the people who already have smart meters would recommend them to others, and a similar proportion (80 per cent) are taking steps to reduce their energy use. These findings are consistent with previous editions. 

Smart energy outlook also shows that in-home displays (IHDs) are having a positive impact on helping people to manage their energy. IHDs are simple, handheld devices offered to every home, at no extra cost, when a smart meter is installed. They show people what they are spending on energy in near real time, in pounds and pence. 

Smart Energy GB’s research shows that 83 per cent of people are taking up the offer of an IHD. Nearly nine in ten (87 per cent) of those with an IHD say that they have a better idea of what they’re spending on energy, compared to 69 per cent of those who have a smart meter but have not chosen to take up the offer of 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, and today’s report has found:

 

• Nearly eight in ten (79 per cent) of people with a smart meter would recommend one to others

• Eight in ten (80 per cent) of people with a smart meter have taken at least one step to reduce their energy use

• Over eight in ten people (84 per cent) with a smart meter say that they have a better idea of their energy costs

• Eighty seven per cent of those with an IHD say that they have a better idea of what they’re spending on energy, compared to 69 per cent who have a smart meter but no IHD

• Seventy eight per cent of those with an IHD check it regularly (at least a few times a month)

• Everyone in Great Britain will have the chance to upgrade to a smart meter 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 in-home display.

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

“Millions of households are already benefiting from smart meters, and our latest research demonstrates that people around the country are using the new technology in their homes to get their gas and electricity under control. People with smart meters are much better informed about how much gas and electricity they are using, and feel greater levels of control over their energy use and bills.

“Today’s report also makes clear the importance of the simple handheld display unit offered to every household when their smart meter is fitted. These are offered by every energy supplier at no extra cost, and mean that everyone can see what they’re spending at a glance – including those who do not have easy access to the internet at home.”

 

 

 

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

1. The latest Smart energy outlook report can be found here.

2. Previous Smart energy outlook reports can be downloaded here.

3. Smart energy outlook is conducted by Populus and surveyed 10,163 people across England, Scotland and Wales. It is the largest piece of insight into people’s attitudes towards energy and smart meters. The research is conducted bi-annually.

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. For more information visit this page.

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. More than 3.5 million smart meters have already been installed. 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:

Smart Energy GB: 

Lucy Maggs: [email protected]; 0203 019 1054 / 07747 690 432

Stephen Shawcross: [email protected]; 0203 019 1057