Why I won’t be bullied into having a smart meter in my home - GP Taylor

By GP Taylor
Published 28th Aug 2019, 17:45 BST
Smart meters are being rolled out across the country.Smart meters are being rolled out across the country.
Smart meters are being rolled out across the country.
UNDER my house is a very deep and dark cellar with its own well where, at some time in the past, a very brave man fitted the energy meters. They are so hard to get to that you need a hard hat and for the first time ever, the meter-man refused to go down, saying it was too dangerous.

It was only a couple of days later that I got a call offering me a smart meter. The salesperson told me that it would save me money and I could be on the cheapest tariff possible. It was obvious that this was some kind of bribe to get me to change my meter and after a little research I knew why. No smart meter – no cheap tariff.

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For some reason, the Government wants all houses in the UK to be fitted with these new smart meters and, before 2020, we will all be offered one. This £11bn project is an expensive priority that the energy companies are taking very seriously. The vast cost will be spread over all of our energy bills over the coming years. It is definitely not a free meter, as it works out at a contribution of over £200 per household, whether you have a meter or not.

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A photo of a malfunctioning smart meter.A photo of a malfunctioning smart meter.
A photo of a malfunctioning smart meter.

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However, like a growing number of people, I will be refusing their kind offer. Currently, one in five people don’t want a smart meter and that number is growing.

The hyperbole that I will save £27 per year looks to be incorrect, with the true figure being around £11. Smart meters don’t automatically save you money. Consumers have to actively engage with the meter and change their behaviour based on its information, or they won’t see their bills fall.

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