Smart meters offer the key to changing energy behaviour at home

New research published today by Smart Energy GB has found that households with a smart meter are more likely to understand their own energy use and have a desire to reduce it than those without.

Using less energy at home is a key factor in tackling climate change and the report Smart meters and energy usage, found that smart meter owners do more to save energy, in particular they are more likely to look into ways to use less energy than non-owners.

Small changes in energy behaviour are key to reducing use at home and on a national level. In May 2019, specialist energy research company Delta-ee, found that in homes, smart meters will contribute to a 25 per cent CO2 saving by 2035 (from 2015 levels), highlighting the importance of these small steps.*

By getting a smart meter, households will be helping to bring Britain's outdated energy system into the 21st century, contributing to a cleaner, greener, smarter future.

The survey of over two thousand people also found that as well as having a high understanding, overall smart meter owners are more engaged with energy than those who haven't yet had one installed. Over time, they continue to encourage others to use less energy, and increasingly look into energy efficiencies.

Both owners and non-owners have an intent to do more to save energy, however the types of changes they intend to make differ.

Owners, who already have the ability to monitor their energy use, intend to make habitual changes and research how to make their home more efficient, while non-owners want to monitor their energy usage more.

The report found that home improvements such as fitting an energy efficient boiler or heating system was favoured by more smart meter owners than non-owners.

Nearly 14 million smart meter have now been installed in Great Britain, allowing households to conduct more energy saving activities on average than those without one. Smart meters are the building blocks to a reliable, clean and affordable energy system and by getting one, you're taking a small step towards a cleaner, greener, smarter future for everyone.

Robert Cheesewright, Director of Corporate Affairs at Smart Energy GB said:

"It's great to see smart meters continue to inspire consumers' to use less energy. Small changes in our energy behaviour will help us all do our bit to tackle the climate emergency and getting a smart meter installed is an important first step.

"As this report shows, households with a smart meter are more engaged with energy, which is key to understanding the benefits they bring. It's easy to do your bit to protect the environment - just call 0300 131 8000 or search 'I want a smart meter'."

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

The research was carried out for Smart Energy GB by Populus who surveyed 2,022 people in November 2018 about their energy use. The full report, Smart meters and energy usage, can be found here.

*In homes, smart meters will contribute to a 25 per cent CO2 saving by 2035 (from 2015 levels) by helping households reduce their energy demands, enabling dynamic pricing tariffs to support low carbon electric heating, promoting improved measurement of energy efficiency performance to drive increasing standards and supporting new business models for buying low carbon heating.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the campaign for a smarter Britain. It's our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to be cleaner and greener with their energy use. Our national campaign is reaching households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales. For more information visit our website smartenergyGB.org

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They enable accurate bills, near real time information on energy use in pounds and pence, and greater control over the way we buy and use energy. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain's energy infrastructure.

Government figures show there are already almost 14 million smart meters installed in homes and microbusinesses across Great Britain. Every household in England, Scotland and Wales can receive one at no extra cost by simply searching 'I want a smart meter' or calling 0300 131 8000.

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:

Ben Welling: [email protected]; 0203 019 1063 / 0792 181 9353