Smart meters spark conversations about energy

4th December 2018: New research published today by Smart Energy GB found that people who have upgraded to a smart meter are more engaged with energy than those who still rely on an analogue energy meter.

The report Smart meters and energy usage found that those who have had their smart meter for longer are doing the most energy saving activities. In particular, they are more likely to have looked into or talked about energy use, showing intent for longer term behaviour change.

Smart meter owners are more likely to think about, keep track of, and understand their energy usage and this engagement with energy translates into behaviour.

Nearly 12.8 million smart meters have been installed in Great Britain allowing households to conduct more energy saving activities on average than those without one.

Exploring future intentions, the report found smart meter owners aim to look into energy saving and to make greater changes to their everyday behaviour. Those without a smart meter want to monitor their energy use more in the future and this often translates into wanting to get a smart meter.

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

"It's clear that smart meters are helping millions of people across Great Britain to better understand their energy usage.

"As this report shows, smart meters encourage people to change their behaviour around the home to be more energy efficient, more environmentally friendly and better off financially with reduced energy bills.

"Getting a smart meter is a small but important step that everyone can take for a cleaner, greener, smarter Britain."

The research was carried out for Smart Energy GB by Populus who surveyed 2,005 people in May and June 2018 about their energy use.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

The full report, Smart meters and energy usage, can be found here.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the voice of the 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 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.

There are nearly 12.8 million smart meters installed in homes and microbusinesses across Great Britain. Every household in England, Scotland and Wales will be offered one at no additional cost. Contact your energy supplier about getting your 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:

[email protected] or call our 24/7 press line on 0203 019 1054.