energywatch: Government must be smarter when it comes to metering

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Friday, 03, Aug 2007 12:00

energywatch is calling on the Government to move quickly to ensure UK energy consumers benefit from having truly smart meters installed in their homes.

The watchdog says the Government should abandon the distraction and costs of interim clamp on devices proposed in the latest consultation on the energy white paper.

The Government proposes that from May 2008, clamp on “real time” electricity display devices are installed in every new build or refurbished home or when old meters are replaced.

Jonathan Stearn, Head of Campaigns at energywatch, said: “Clamp on devices do not deliver the full consumer benefits of smart meters. Only smart meters can send information between consumers and suppliers and provide consumers with accurate information on the energy they are using. Any interim devices are a poor substitute and a waste of resources.”

Notes to Editors

• A recent report by Dr Eoin Lees for energywatch published on 12 July: Smart Meters – Costs and Consumer Benefits outlines the environmental, financial and social benefits of smart meters and their likely costs.

http://www.energywatch.org.uk/uploads/Smart_meters_costs_and_consumer_benefits.pdf

• Energy Billing and Metering Changing consumer Behaviour a consultation on Policies Presented in The Energy White Paper 2007 was issued on 3 August 2007.