Consumer Focus: Energy firms should contribute to the cost of smart meters
Published on : 03/12/2009
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The government needs to ensure that consumers alone are not funding the new smart meter scheme, according to one consumer group.
Smart meters are intended to cut gas and electricity bills, and reduce carbon emissions by showing real time energy use. The government announced on December 2nd that by the year 2020 all homes in the UK would have a smart meter installed.
Consumer Focus said it is important that energy suppliers foot part of the bill as they will "share in the benefits" of the scheme.
Zoe McLeod, energy expert for Consumer Focus, said: "It is good news that standalone displays will be provided with smart meters. This is key to helping customers identify how they can reduce energy use and save money."
She added that the organisation is "concerned" that consumers "don't write a blank cheque" to fund the scheme.
Concerns were raised on the subject of remote disconnection and Consumer Focus urged the government to put measures in place to protect consumers.
