Smart Energy GB responds to the BEIS Select Committee hearing on the National Audit Office's smart meter rollout report

Responding to the BEIS Select Committee hearing on the National Audit Office report on smart meters, Robert Cheesewright, Director of Corporate Affairs at Smart Energy GB, said:

"Britain's smart meter rollout is a complex and challenging infrastructure upgrade, but we must not lose sight of the bigger picture which is that we urgently need a modern energy system using smart meters.

"More than 12 million smart meters have been installed in homes across Britain, and they are paving the way for more clean and renewable energy and the widespread take-up of electric vehicles.

"We know that the benefits outweigh the costs by billions of pounds, with nearly two thirds of people with a smart meter feeling more in control of their energy usage and most people feeling less worried about their bills.

"The alternative is that we are stuck with estimated, inaccurate bills from an outdated system that can no longer keep up with the way we use gas and electricity in the 21st century."

-ENDS-

Key facts about smart meters

More than 12.8 million smart meters are now operating in Britain
Around 400,000 devices are being fitted every month
250,000 second generation smart meters have now installed
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) cost benefit analysis estimates a net benefit of around £5.7 billion

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