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Public Support for Smart Meters Grows

81% of consumers with a smart meter would recommend the device to others.

Results from Smart Energy GB's latest Smart Energy Outlook Survey show that the vast majority of the UK population who already have a smart meter are in high approval of the technology.

Findings show that 81% of consumers with a smart meter would recommend the device to others. With the figure rising to 88% for those from lower income households.

Awareness of smart meters has also increased with 33% of consumers now understanding what a smart meters does. More still neeeds to be done however with certain areas of the country continuing to have a lower understanding. London continues to have the lowest percentage of understanding with just one in four people having a detailed knowledge of smart meters.

The benefits of smart meters are also beginning to be realised with 82% of households reported to have taken at least one step to reduce their energy use, citing the IHD and the ability to see costs in real time as main drivers for behaviour change.

Consumers are also becoming increasingly aware of the role smart meters will play in smarter more dynamic pricing with 29% of people surveyed commenting that choosing to use energy at times that were cheaper was an appealing factor of smart meters.

The findings come after Npower annouced significant price hikes blaming costs associated with the smart meter rollout and higher wholesale energy prices.

Five million smart meters have already been installed across the UK with every household and small business being offered one by 2020. techUK sees smart meters as a key enabler of a smarter more dynamic energy system. Opening up opportunities for all parts of the system - from generation to demand - to be more efficient and productive. 

SMART ENERGY OUTLOOK FEBRUARY 2017 (PDF)

 

Channel website: http://www.techuk.org/

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