Recommendation 7

The Department told us that Ministers have a role in promoting the benefits of smart meters and the Programme to consumers.21 The responsibility for consumer engagement primarily rests with Smart Energy GB, a company funded by mandatory contributions from energy suppliers.22 However, the Department told us it plays a role in the policy around convincing groups of people to have a smart meter installed, to help ensure installations progress across all energy consumer groups.23 EDF the energy company told us that there are clear opportunities for government departments to work more closely together to support the programme and for the policy environment around smart meters to be more favourable. These include, for example, requiring smart meters to be installed in new build homes, or in social housing, and incentivising smart meters as a credit for a property’s Energy Performance Certificate.24 Consumer benefits and their distribution among different groups