Smart Energy GB response to recent stories on time of use tariffs

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

"It is important to remember that no-one will ever be forced into a variable tariff - the choice will always be the customer's.

"Time of use tariffs that vary the cost of energy cased upon the time of day have been with us for many years. Economy 7 is an example of such a tariff, used by hundreds of thousands of households up and down the country as it better suits households that consume more energy in off-peak hours. The introduction of smart meters in homes will lead to greater consumer choice, with more flexible tariffs that better suit our changing lifestyles and energy use patterns.

"The introduction of more time of use tariffs not only provides greater consumer choice but is also crucial to ensure that we have an energy system that is fit for the future. Positively incentivising people to use energy outside peak times will help us as a nation balance supply with demand and keep the lights on without having to build and generate more and more dirty and expensive energy. The National Infrastructure Commission say that a truly smart energy system will save the nation £8bn each year.

"Choosing a smart meter and a tailored tariff, which remains entirely the choice of the consumer, will mean people can be rewarded with lower bills for doing their bit to save the planet."