The happiest energy customers have smart meters

‘Smart meters’ are being rolled out, and there’s a good chance you’ve heard of them thanks to the work of Smart Energy GB, the not-for-profit campaign behind the initiative.

Smart Energy GB is giving every household the chance to upgrade to a smart meter for free, in a bid to drive national digitisation of the retail energy industry between now and 2020.

As a result of their work, customers up and down the country are trying out smart meters for the first time – and 84% of smart meter users would actively recommend them to others.

The latest report from Smart Energy GB is the largest independent barometer of national public opinion on energy and smart meters. Entitled ‘Smart energy outlook’, the September 2015 publication is showing some impressively positive opinion and findings from the public:

• More than 8 in 10 (84%) of consumers with a smart meter would recommend them to a friend or family member
• Nearly eight in ten (79%) of consumers with a smart meter have taken steps to try and reduce the amount of energy they use around their home or microbusiness

And if you compare smart meter consumers to those without, there’s a reassuring amount of confidence and knowledge around their energy bills. Three-quarters of smart meter consumers feel they understand their bill, while only 56% of those with traditional meters do.

Even further, 79% of smart meter users believe their energy bills are accurate, compared to just 59% of traditional meter users.

It’s a great show of support for the initiative that’s not only trying to make energy users more aware of what they’re spending on energy but also to increase awareness of energy efficiency and encourage a greener future for the UK.

“We’re at the start of our national energy upgrade, but already those who have their smart meters are experiencing a transformation,” commented Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB.

“Smart Energy GB will carry on spreading the word to make sure that everyone in Great Britain, from Perth to Portsmouth, has the chance to get their smart meter and reap the benefits.”

Find out more about how smart meters actually work by reading our guide on the benefits of using smart meters, or see if your small or medium business is eligible for a free smart meter by visiting our smart meter page.