Recommendation 24

The Department characterises smart meters as a change programme, and recognises that it needs, at some point, to stop being so and become business as usual in the energy retail market.75 However, it considers that there remains significant unsatisfied demand which its current proposed target framework to 2025 recognises, claiming 35% to 40% of customers surveyed say they are keen to have a smart meter in the next six months.76 Energy UK told us the survey data findings reflect a consumer’s opinion before factoring in any barriers or inconvenience associated with an install such as waiting in or needing to rebook an appointment. This means the survey findings do not reflect these real life deterrents to having a smart meter installed and could overstate real life demand.77 The Department told us that energy suppliers also want to roll out smart meters, but they want to do so at a slower pace which better accommodates their commercial interests and objectives.78 The Department feels that by upping the pace of the rollout it can deliver benefits to consumers sooner, particularly as all energy billpayers are already covering its costs.79