The 2 million households with smart meters that don’t work

MORE than two million smart meters installed in homes do not work, according to research.

About 15 per cent of all meters have either ‘turned dumb’ or not been connected, it was found.

The BBC discovered that 2.3million of the devices were not working – meaning £1.7billion is being spent on smart meters that are not doing the job they are supposed to do.

Homeowners in the UK have been pressured into installing smart meters to help save the planet – with 14million now having one.

Andy Bannister, whose meter was installed outside his home a few months ago, said: ‘It’s a nice, shiny, new meter but it doesn’t work and I am just feeling very frustrated.

‘They don’t seem to have the slightest interest, once you’ve had the box ticked that you’ve had the actual smart meter installed, in whether it actually works.’

A smart meter automatically measures how much gas and electricity families are using and what it costs. This information can be viewed on a screen in the home.

But they can ‘turn dumb’ after switching providers – meaning the device no longer sends automatic meter readings and the display showing energy costs stop working.

Energy UK, which represents power companies, told the BBC that 800,000 second generation meters are now being installed – but even those new meters were not able to switch between providers.

A Government spokesman said: ‘Since 2012, smart meters have helped millions track how much they’re spending on gas and electricity, so they can save money.

‘Work to ensure devices stay smart when switching is already underway and will be completed by the end of next year. Smart meters which have lost some smart functionality will be prioritised.’

‘No one’s interested if it doesn’t work’