Responding to plans announced by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to increase the number of smart meter installations across Great Britain

SMART ENERGY GB RESPONSE

Responding to plans announced by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to increase the number of smart meter installations across Great Britain, and proposals to update Smart Energy GB’s objectives and governance Dan Brooke, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB said:

“We welcome that the Government has confirmed the timeframe for upgrading a key part of Great Britain’s energy infrastructure.

“A truly smart energy system will benefit us all, as it helps to integrate more clean, renewable power and reduce our reliance on carbon emitting fossil fuels. Smart meters play a crucial role in creating this system, and consumers are already seeing the benefits through cheaper tariffs.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

Government has concluded that Smart Energy GB will continue as the body responsible for leading coordinated consumer engagement activities on behalf of energy suppliers during the smart meter rollout. Alongside this response, Government is publishing a further consultation on proposals to strengthen Smart Energy GB’s governance framework, revise its funding model and update its objectives to support the next phase of the rollout.

About smart meters and the rollout

Britain is committed to a cleaner future – one with zero carbon, zero emissions and reduced pollution.

To make this happen, our nation requires a major upgrade to its energy infrastructure, specifically, it requires the creation of a smart energy system. Smart meters, which replace traditional, analogue meters, are the foundation of a more reliable, clean and affordable energy infrastructure, allowing Great Britain to better manage energy use, transition to mass uptake of electric vehicles and to build a greener economy.

There are already 16.5 million smart meters installed in homes and microbusinesses across Great Britain. Every household in England, Scotland and Wales can now see their energy use in near real time, receive accurate bills and do their bit for the planet, by requesting a smart meter, at no extra cost, from their energy supplier.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the campaign for a smarter Britain. It’s our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to be cleaner and greener with their energy use. Our national campaign is reaching households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales. For more information visit our website smartenergyGB.org

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:

Stephen Shawcross: [email protected]; 0203 019 1057