Smart meters fix ‘a shambles’

MILLIONS of substandard smart meters which can cause problems when households switch energy supplier are yet to be fixed halfway through an upgrade programme, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal.

The programme to fix the first generation devices by connecting them to a national network is supposed to conclude by the end of the year. Figures from the Data Communications Company, the network operator, showed that just 118,530 have been connected of a total of more than 13million.

Smart meters were pushed on the public as a way to save money, but millions have lost their crucial functions after a household switches supplier.

The upgrades were supposed to fix this problem but Mark Todd, of switching website Energyhelpline, said the target is now “unachievable” and warned that the Government may have to rip out recently installed meters. The Government insisted the project would be completed by the end of the year, but Mr Todd said: “The smart meter roll-out is a total shambles. There is no way they will enrol over 10million first generation meters on to the new system in time for this new deadline.

“Unless the Government invests even more money, people are going to be left with substandard meters that hinder switching to cheaper deals.”

The smart meter roll-out has already been delayed and has surpassed its original £11billion budget.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said energy firms are now installing second generation meters which keep their functions after a switch of supplier.

Robert Cheesewright, of Smart Energy GB, the body set up to promote smart meters, said the devices are an important part of the fight against climate change.