Smart Energy GB response to Ofgem's prepayment review

In response to Ofgem’s Prepayment review:understanding supplier charging practices and barriers to switching, Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, the consumer campaign for the smart meter roll-out said:

“Ofgem’s review confirms that smart meters have the potential to revolutionise the prepayment market by reducing the relative costs of prepayment and improving customer service. Prepayment customers currently pay higher gas and electricity prices for an inconvenient and outdated service.

“Smart meters will be able to operate in either credit or prepay mode, bringing an end to any charges for changing meters. New smart pay-as-you-go tariffs will give customers much better deals to choose from – and our research shows that nearly half (48%) of all consumers would be interested in using these tariffs.

Smart meters will also end the inconvenience of having to go to the shop. There’ll also be more ways to top up credit, such as over the phone, via an app or online. No set of improvements for prepay customers will be complete without the national smart meter roll-out.”

-ENDS-

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit campaign for the national 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. 

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 1.6 million smart meters have already been installed in homes and microbusinesses. Find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier.