A high volume of energy consumers have found themselves completely unable to monitor their energy use due to a series of meter faults across the country. According to The Telegraph, around one in 10 smart meters installed in homes have a faulty display system with one in 3 reporting this problem to their suppliers.
This new ‘fix for fee’ policy follows Ofgem’s announcement of a significant cut in the energy price cap in April, seeing bills drop by approximately £238 a year!
Smart meters are an essential part of the switch to net zero, a goal for 2050 for all energy use across the UK. They also play an important part in consumers keeping their energy bills down, making their reliability a necessity.
What is a Smart Meter & How It Works
Smart meters are a reliable way of seeing how much gas and electricity you have consumed, just like your normal meter. Smart meters, however, send your energy information directly to your supplier instead of you having to manually read it. This sending of information is completed over a secure smart meter network.
A smart meter will not cost any extra and your energy bills will stay the same. You will be able to monitor your usage, which will help you save on your costs.
Why Do People Avoid Smart Meters?
Possible privacy concerns due to the transmission of data to suppliers have put some consumers off smart meters. It should be remembered that your name, address, and bank details will not be stored within the system under any circumstances and the information sent operates within a secure network for maximum reassurance.
Who is Responsible for Fixing Your Smart Meter?
Your energy supplier will be responsible for ensuring that your meter operates correctly. If you rent your property with a landlord who pays your energy bills, you should let them know that your smart meter is broken. It will then be down to them to let the supplier know.
Will Smart Meters Become Compulsory?
Energy advice expert Martin Lewis has informed that ‘the government is aiming for 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales to have a smart meter by the end of 2025.’ It is not compulsory right now, but some circumstances will leave you exempt from making this choice and your supplier will need to install one. This will only be if your old traditional meter is nearing the end of it’s life as traditional meter models are no longer manufactured.
Reduce Your Energy Bills
Once you are monitoring your energy use accurately, you can begin to bring the cost down by finding out if you are eligible for government-backed grants that allow you to gain access to efficient home energy upgrades.
- ECO4: a government-funded scheme that offers those eligible access to upgrades like insulation, solar panels, and even a modern efficient heating upgrade.
- Great British Insulation Scheme: Receive cavity, solid, loft, and underfloor insulation for your home, absolutely free.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Gain help towards a new upgraded heating system know as a air source heat pump.
- Solar Panels and Battery Lease Packages: You can own solar panels for as little as £50 a month and make massive savings on electricity in the long run.
Summary
If you suspect a faulty smart meter, it is the responsibility of your supplier to provide a replacement. Without one, you will be unable to see what you are spending on your energy consumption, therefore your potential savings could easily be going amiss. If you are keen to keep an eye on what you are using, smart meters are the way to go!
If you are worried about the privacy of a smart meter, there is little need to be. Your private details will not be shared on the secure network that is used to only share your meter reading details.
Comments
thank you very much