Smart Energy GB, the voice of the UK smart meter rollout, has published its fourth Smart energy outlook, the largest independent barometer of UK public opinion on energy and smart meters. It has found that nearly eight in ten (79%) of the people who already have smart meters would recommend them to others, and a similar proportion (80%) are taking steps to reduce their energy use. These findings are consistent with previous editions.
The report also shows that in-home displays (IHDs) are having a positive impact on helping people to manage their energy. IHDs are simple, handheld devices offered to every home, at no extra cost, when a smart meter is installed. They show people what they are spending on energy in near real time, in pounds and pence.
Smart Energy GB’s research shows that 83 per cent of people are taking up the offer of an IHD. Nearly nine in ten (87 per cent) of those with an IHD say that they have a better idea of what they’re spending on energy, compared to 69 per cent of those who have a smart meter but have not chosen to take up the offer of an IHD.
Smart energy outlook is carried out for Smart Energy GB, twice a year, by independent research agency Populus. It surveys more than 10,000 people around the country, and today’s report has found:
- Nearly eight in ten (79 per cent) of people with a smart meter would recommend one to others
- Eight in ten (80 per cent) of people with a smart meter have taken at least one step to reduce their energy use
- Over eight in ten people (84 per cent) with a smart meter say that they have a better idea of their energy costs
- Eighty-seven per cent of those with an IHD say that they have a better idea of what they’re spending on energy, compared to 69 per cent who have a smart meter but no IHD
- Seventy-eight per cent of those with an IHD check it regularly (at least a few times a month)
- Everyone in Great Britain will have the chance to upgrade to a smart meter between now and 2020, at no additional cost. Smart meters bring an end to estimated bills and show people what they’re spending in pounds and pence, in near real time via an in-home display.
Commenting on the findings, Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said: “Millions of households are already benefiting from smart meters, and our latest research demonstrates that people around the country are using the new technology in their homes to get their gas and electricity under control. People with smart meters are much better informed about how much gas and electricity they are using, and feel greater levels of control over their energy use and bills.
“Today’s report also makes clear the importance of the simple handheld display unit offered to every household when their smart meter is fitted. These are offered by every energy supplier at no extra cost, and mean that everyone can see what they’re spending at a glance – including those who do not have easy access to the internet at home.”
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 has already begun and will reach all households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales.
Smart meters will replace the traditional meters, currently have in homes. They will provide consumers with accurate bills, near real-time information on energy usage in pounds and pence, and greater control over their gas and electricity. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. Between now and 2020, everyone across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier at no extra cost. More than 3.5 million smart meters have already been installed.