Uswitch comment on SSE’s £1.2 million payment for missed smart meter targets

Richard Neudegg, head of regulation at Uswitch.com, comments:

“The UK’s smart meter rollout has had a bumpy ride, and even before lockdown stopped installations it was clear that the target to have one in every household by the end of 2020 was not going to be met.

“This £1.2 million payment comes after SSE Energy Services failed to meet its annual targets for smart meter installations in 2019. SSE also paid out £700,000 last year for missing its gas smart meter targets in 2018.

“Smart meters prevent the need for meter readings and provide far more accurate bills, opening up the potential for more innovative services. However, only 31% of homes currently have a functioning smart meter, which the Government claims helps 80% of users to save money. 

“The Government’s new four-year framework on smart meter installations ends in 2024 so it’s clear that this complicated rollout will not happen overnight.

“If you want a smart meter installed now you will see some big changes to the process to keep you and the engineer safe.

“Companies have developed ‘no contact’ installations, which may need you to be in a different room to the engineer. Advice will be offered over the phone rather than face-to-face, and engineers will wear protective clothing and masks.”