Preparations for smart metering

The Department for Energy and Climate Change cannot afford to relax if it is to have smart meters in every home by 2020 and make sure it secures the expected £6.2 billion of benefits.
 
Energy suppliers believe that not all customers will want a smart meter and there will be extra costs involved in persuading people to have them installed. The Department and Ofgem must stay on top of the situation to make sure that competition between energy companies actually protects customers from extra costs - especially given that the industry has already been referred to the regulator on exactly this matter.

Given that householders are already paying eye-watering high utility bills, I am frustrated the Department does not have a better idea of how much smart meters will help those in fuel poverty - those who need help most.

I look forward to discussing this with departmental officials when they appear before us on 9 June.

Relevant information

National Audit Office report: Preparations for the roll-out of smart meters