Smart Energy GB response to uSwitch.com survey showing energy suppliers owe £1.1 billion to consumers
A recent survey from uSwitch.com found that 12 million households (46 per cent) could be owed £1.1 billion by energy suppliers, whilst almost four million households (15 per cent) are in debt to suppliers by £507 million. In response to the findings, Claire Maugham, director of policy and communications at Smart Energy GB, the national consumer campaign for smart meters said:
“Energy is one of the few areas of our lives where we still receive estimated bills because of the outdated technology that many of us still have in our homes. The national smart meter upgrade is transforming the way everyone buys and uses gas and electricity, and will finally put an end to estimated bills. This also means no more manual meter readings – can you imagine having to call your mobile phone provider to tell them how many minutes you’d used? In this digital age, smart meters will put in place a better and more modern system that gives us control over our energy bills and means we only pay for the gas and electricity we actually use.”
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About Smart Energy GB
Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit campaign for the national smart meter rollout. It’s our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to get their gas and electricity under control. Our national campaign has already begun and will reach all households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales.
About smart meters and the rollout
Smart meters will replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They will provide consumers with accurate bills, near real time information on energy usage in pounds and pence, and greater control over their gas and electricity. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. Between now and 2020, every home and small business across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier. More than 1.6 million smart meters have already been installed. Find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier.
Smart Energy GB media contacts
For more information including interview requests, case studies of smart meter users, infographics, photography and video content please contact the Smart Energy GB media team:
Smart Energy GB
Alicia Painter: [email protected]; 0203 751 0745