Smart Energy GB response to appointment of Amber Rudd as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB said:

“Over the next five years, a transformation of the way we buy gas and electricity will affect every home in Britain.,

Smart energy meters will be rolled out across the country – finally bringing to an end the nonsense of manual meter reading and estimated bills, and creating the vital backbone of the modernisation of the country's energy infrastructure.

The new Energy Secretary will be leading one of the most important technology & infrastructure projects of recent times. A vibrant and competitive energy market is impossible without the success of the national smart meter roll-out.

Widespread adoption of smart meters will soon allow customers to shop around with accuracy, speed and confidence - increasing competition in the sector.

A smart energy market will also help generators, networks and suppliers manage looming issues of energy capacity, and help Great Britain keep the lights on.

The Conservative manifesto included a commitment to ensure every home and business in the country has a smart meter by 2020, delivered as cost effectively as possible.

I look forward to working with Amber Rudd to ensure the delivery of this important pledge."

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit campaign for the national smart meter roll-out. It’s our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national roll-out 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 roll-out

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 roll-out is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. Between now and 2020, every home and small business across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier at no extra cost. About 1.4 million smart meters have already been installed. To find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier please visit www.smartenergygb.org/get-a-smart-meter

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:

Mike Sergeant: [email protected], 0207 367 5226

Rose Beynon: [email protected], 0207 367 5239