Now smart meters are delayed AGAIN: Deadline for the national rollout of new energy reading devices gets put back to June 2025
- Smart meter rollout deadline is put back until June 2025 after repeated delays
- Just 31 per cent of homes had a functioning device at the end of last month
- The delays have been made worse over the past few months by coronavirus
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The deadline for the national rollout of smart meters has been delayed yet again – until June 2025.
Ministers had originally aimed to install the gadgets in all homes and small businesses by 2020 before being forced to push the target back to 2024 at the end of last year.
It was hoped the meters, which automatically send readings to energy suppliers, would save customers money and be beneficial for the environment by helping to cut the use of gas and electricity.
Ministers had originally aimed to install the gadgets in all homes and small businesses by 2020 before being forced to push the target back to 2024 at the end of last year [File photo]
But the costly programme has been mired in chaos, suffering repeated delays due to a host of technical issues – including some meters turning ‘dumb’ when customers switched suppliers.
Just 31 per cent of homes across the country had a functioning device at the end of last month, government papers show.
Delays have been made worse over the past few months by coronavirus, with engineers unable to replace meters unless the work was essential.
Even now lockdown restrictions have been eased and installations have restarted, many elderly and vulnerable customers still do not want engineers visiting.
As a result ministers have given suppliers an additional six months to complete the rollout.
Just 31 per cent of homes across the country had a functioning device at the end of last month, government papers show [File photo]
They have also launched a consultation to set strict annual targets that could see energy firms fined heavily if they are missed.
Before lockdown around 19,000 smart meters were being installed every day. However, they are not compulsory and customers can refuse to have one.
There is no upfront cost for those who want one installed but all households contribute to the cost of the scheme, estimated to stand at £13.5billion, through higher bills.
Richard Neudegg, of Uswitch.com, said: ‘This delay was ultimately inevitable given the programme has been plagued with problems.’
Lord Callanan, minister for climate change, said: ‘Smart meters are playing an important role in helping the UK deliver a cleaner and more efficient energy system, with the added benefit of also saving tens of billions of pounds in the process.’
Dan Brooke, chief executive of Smart Energy GB, which promotes the devices, said: ‘We welcome that the Government has confirmed the timeframe for upgrading a key part of Britain’s energy infrastructure.’
It was hoped the meters, which automatically send readings to energy suppliers, would save customers money and be beneficial for the environment by helping to cut the use of gas and electricity [File photo]
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