Metering.com April 2, 2018
Smart Energy GB published Smart Energy outlook, largest independent survey of national public opinion on energy and smart meters.
The biannual nationwide poll into the opinions of almost 10,000 people in Great Britain, carried out by Populus, provides clear evidence that the overwhelming majority of customers who have smart meters installed in their homes are happy with them.
It comes as new official figures published by the government today show that over 11 million smart meters have now been installed in homes across Great Britain.
Smart meters replace the traditional analogue meters we currently have in our homes. They enable accurate bills, near real time information on energy use and greater control over the way we buy and use energy.
The Outlook survey found:
- 73% of people with a smart meter would recommend one to friends, family or neighbours. That’s equivalent to 6.3 million people who would recommend a smart meterThe majority 82% of people with smart meters say they have a better idea of what they are spending on energy
- More than eight in ten (81%) of people with a smart meter think their energy bill is accurate compared to only 67% with a traditional analogue meterMore than eight in ten (82%) of people with smart meters have taken steps to reduce energy wasteOne in three (33%) of people with a smart meter are now starting discussions to encourage others in their household to use less energy
The positive impact of smart meters also remains steadfast over time. People who have had a smart meter for longer than a year are more likely to feel their energy bill is accurate and to say they are not as concerned about running up a big energy bill.
Smart energy outlook shows that smart meters are not only proving popular – they’re also positively influencing the way people use gas and electricity, as well as how they feel about their household energy.
Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said: “No matter what stories you might have heard, this research shows that the experience of managing your gas and electricity bills is vastly improved when you’ve got a smart meter in your home.
“People with smart meters know what they’re spending on energy, they’re more confident in the accuracy of their bills and they’re better informed when it comes to making decisions about their energy. Smart meters are also helping people all across Great Britain to reduce energy waste at home.
“It’s crucial we upgrade to smart meters so that everyone has the opportunity to experience a more effective and positive way of managing household energy.”
Smart energy outlook is carried out for Smart Energy GB, twice a year, by independent research agency Populus. It surveys almost 10,000 people aged 21+ around the country using a bespoke online survey.
You can view the full report here.