Consumers shouldn't foot the bill for installing smart meters

(29/04/2010)

Following British Gas announcement that it will roll out smart meters and energy display units to one million homes this year, Which? chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith, says:

"We've long argued that consumers shouldn't foot the bill for installing smart meters - consumers will save a few pounds every year, but energy companies will save millions. British Gas clearly sees the business benefits of installing smart meters, calling into question the Government's assumption that the £8.6 billion cost has to be met by consumers.

"As energy companies gear up to roll out smart meters, Ofgem and the Government must act now to protect consumers' interests, ensuring the data gathered from smart meters is not mis-used and consumers can still switch energy suppliers easily."

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