Government sets out plans to protect consumers during smart meter roll-out

Consumers will have a choice on how often their energy supplier can access their energy consumption data, it was revealed today as the government published a set of rules for its smart metering programme. The government has outlined how it intends to address issues such as customer engagement, privacy and security.

Under the rules, suppliers will be obliged to give their customers reminders about the choices they have made and how they can change. They will be forbidden from using energy consumption data for marketing purposes without consent. The government will also ask larger energy suppliers to put together annual reports setting out their plans and progress with the roll-out. 

Energy and climate change minister, Baroness Verma, said the government is putting the needs of consumers first and will set up a central delivery body to educate them on using smart meters. 

“The introduction of smart meters nationwide is of course an enormous challenge, representing a vast upgrade of our energy system, but with huge potential benefits for millions of homes and businesses and for Great Britain as a whole,” she said. 

“Let me be clear: the consumer comes first. That’s why we are tackling issues such as privacy, security, consumer protection and communications now, working with industry and consumer groups to make sure we get this right, ahead of the mass rollout.”