Energy firms planning to use smart meters to switch off your central heating

SMART meters could allow energy networks to switch off central heating systems, under proposals being considered by the watchdog.

The plans, tabled by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, would allow distributors to ask the permission of consumers to turn off appliances with high usage, including heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers over fears that mass uptake of these green technologies could overload the energy network.

It would be voluntary and appliances would be switched off for two hours a day maximum, ending after 12 months if a permanent solution had not been found.

SSEN stressed the measures would only be used in emergencies, with customer consent and would only apply to heating systems with a heat pump and not those powered by gas.

A spokesman said: “The proposed modification has been tabled to provide a last-resort contingency measure, protecting the security of customer supplies during an emergency scenario.”

But Peter Earl, an energy expert at switching site Compare the Market, said: “I would have considerable concern about the impact of these measures. I would particularly be concerned about the more vulnerable households.”

He added: “We know there are potential issues coming with meeting peak demand, but the industry has to find solutions to these problems and not expect consumers and households to help.”

An Ofgem spokesman said no decision was expected before next spring and consumer protection would be considered. He said: “We would expect further clarity, including the definition of an emergency situation and how consumer interests would be protected, before this modification is submitted to us for decision.”