Energy suppliers set to blow 2020 smart meter rollout deadline, predicts consumer group
Major energy suppliers would need to triple the number of smart meters they are currently installing to meet the 2020 deadline, Which? has warned.
The consumer group said large suppliers would need to increase their rate of installation to 30 smart meters per minute every day for the next two years if they are to replace existing meters in time.
The analysis showed the companies are currently installing just 9.7 meters per minute and have replaced only a quarter of 46m existing meters.
The warning is the latest setback for the government’s £11bn plan to replace all current gas and electricity meters by 2020.
Alex Neill, managing director of home products and services at Which?, said: “The smart meter rollout has been plagued by problems and massively delayed, the benefits have been overstated and the savings they could bring consumers are at risk.
“Therefore it’s time for the government to re-plan with industry and consumer groups to ensure people get the maximum benefit at the minimum cost.”
A report released by the British Infrastructure Group (BIG) in July claimed savings on an annual dual fuel bills will be just £11, less than half the £26 initially forecast. It said the process had been “plagued by repeated delays and cost increases”.
The National Audit Office is currently carrying out a review into the rollout.
Smart meters measure gas and electricity usage and automatically send usage information to energy suppliers.
Smart Energy GB, which promotes the rollout, claims the meters will ensure customers receive accurate bills and will eliminate the need for readings.
Robert Cheesewright, director of corporate affairs at Smart Energy GB, said: “Britain’s smart meter rollout is a vital upgrade for the nation’s energy infrastructure. Smart meters are crucial if we want to tackle climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.
“In line with the government’s figures, smart meters will help people save on average almost £50 a year on their energy bills by 2030. Energy suppliers are working hard to offer all households smart meters as soon as possible.”