Smart meters project ‘is way behind target’

INSTALLING smart meters into millions of homes is massively behind schedule, researchers say.

It had been hoped to have them in 53million homes and businesses by 2020. But meeting that target would now require that 40,000 are put in every day.

The technology has generated ‘confusion and resistance’ in many households, according to Benjamin Sovacool, professor of energy policy at Sussex University.

‘This is the largest government information technology project in history,’ he added.

‘It means installing 104million pieces of new equipment when counting separate electricity and gas meters, display monitors and wireless networks. There is little awareness of the benefits or of how the technology works.’

The professor also told the Sunday Times the costs were high at £200-£300 a home and the energy savings were tiny. It is estimated that the programme will cost some £11billion overall – a price added to household bills.

The meters transmit details of a family’s energy use to suppliers, using a system similar to mobile phones and removing the need for estimated bills.

The idea is to encourage householders to use less energy.

A Government spokesman told the newspaper: ‘Smart meters will end estimated billing, provide real-time information about energy use and help cut bills.

‘There are 7.7million meters installed and 80 per cent of people recommend them.

‘They are a vital upgrade to our energy system and will cut bills by £300million in 2020.’