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Consumers are attracted to the 'smart home' applications that smart meters open up, according to a report by O2.
A YouGov poll commissioned by O2, revealed 60 per cent of consumers felt the idea of a ‘home of the future’ with a range of controllable accessories made smart meters a more appealing concept.
However, the prospect of energy saving was less popular, with only 23 per cent saying energy prices would fall, and 18 per cent stating they would switch to a smart meter if the annual saving was £50 or less.
David Taylor, managing director, M2M at Telefonica Digital UK, said “in order to secure broad consumer support for smart meters it is important to communicate both the rational benefits – potential cost savings, carbon reduction – and also paint a compelling vision of the near term future, with the smart home providing customers with a range of connected devices and services”.
Helen Rowley of Mumsnet, which took part in a focus group as part of the research for the report, added “the real appeal lies in time-saving activities, like being able to come home to a pre-heated oven.”
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