Quarter of consumers say smart meter rollout not worthwhile

New research marking the 10-year anniversary of the smart meter rollout has revealed almost a quarter of consumers (24 per cent) believe the rollout has not been worthwhile.

The study of 2,000 billpayers by One Poll on behalf of MoneySuperMarket asked consumers a series of questions related to the devices, such as how their energy usage had changed as a result of having one installed.

It found more than two fifths (43 per cent) agree with the statement that the smart meter rollout has been worthwhile, with 19 per cent strongly supporting the rollout. However, 24 per cent of billpayers said the smart meter rollout has not been worthwhile, with 13 per cent believing this strongly.

More than three quarters (78 per cent) of those opposed to smart meters believe they have been a waste of money, while a fifth (21 per cent) believe the in-home display is out of date and would have preferred an app.

Those who supported the rollout said this was because smart meters have helped consumers become more energy conscious (67 per cent), they have brought an end to estimated bills (54 per cent) and they have encouraged a better understanding of how the energy market operates (52 per cent).

However, in response to the question asking whether having a device had changed the way they use energy, respondents were split evenly. Nearly a third (29 per cent) said yes, while 28 per cent said it had not.

Of those who said smart meters had changed the way they used energy, 73 per cent said it was because they had given them greater control over their energy use, while 67 per cent said they cared more about reducing their energy use and trying to save money.

A total of 42 per cent said they used their meter with other connected devices and 36 per cent said they looked at their smart meter’s in-home display at least daily.

Of those who said smart meters had not changed the way they used energy, 34 per cent said they didn’t see the point in smart meters and 26 per cent said that they were not bothered about their energy use.

Not understanding how to use their smart meter was cited by 19 per cent, while 18 per cent said they did not trust their meter.

Stephen Murray, energy expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “What our research finds is that after many bumps in the road and doubts about their benefits, smart meters are winning consumers over, with more in support of their rollout than against.

“This is a positive because smart meters are undoubtedly a good thing for consumers. If you haven’t got one already, get yourself one. They alone won’t save you money, but the detailed, live data they provide you about your energy usage can help change behaviour and cut costs.”

In response to the findings, Robert Cheesewright, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “Today’s new research shows that by a margin of almost two-to-one the public backs smart meters – and that’s before most of us have experienced the bulk of the benefits of a smarter energy system.

“The rollout has had its challenges and energy meters are not something people inherently spend lots of time thinking about, but what has become overwhelmingly clear is how necessary smart meters are for a more affordable, cleaner energy system.”