Smart Energy GB response to British Infrastructure Group’s report on smart meters

Robert Cheesewright, Director of Policy and Communications at Smart Energy GB, said:

"The smart meter rollout is a vital investment for Great Britain, leading to savings that will outweigh the costs by billions of pounds. The Government and Ofgem have been clear that they expect energy suppliers to pass these savings on to customers.

"All smart meters mean an end to estimated billing and give people a greater understanding of their energy use. Smart meters are also making prepay cheaper and more convenient, bringing the way we pay for our energy up-to-date, enabling customers to top up online or over the phone. Because of these benefits Government wants suppliers to offer every household a smart meter by 2020.

"It's also important to remember that smart meters do not stop you switching suppliers. In fact, people with smart meters are more likely to have switched suppliers or tariffs in the last 12 months than those who don't have them.

"Some people with first generation smart meters have experienced problems maintaining smart functionality when switching, but this is a temporary issue as all first-generation smart meters will be enrolled into a new secure smart data network to make switching quicker and easier.

"The alternative to smart meters is an expensive, outdated system where we waste billions of pounds needlessly generating dirty energy, with customers facing the uncertainty of estimated bills."