Which? urges government to cut smart meter costs

Consumer group Which? has written to the government calling for new measures to lower the cost of the smart meter roll-out.
The letter, published on 7 October, acknowledged that the technology would give consumers more control over their energy use, but added that it was “imperative” for costs to be reduced “wherever possible”. Specifically, the government was urged to explore: centralised procurement of meters; a coordinated approach to the installation of communications infrastructure in multi-occupancy buildings; and early guidance on all “reasonable steps” that suppliers need to take to install the meters by 2020.
Separately, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for the government to “play fair” when rolling out smart energy meters to non-domestic customers. The FSB claimed many businesses are confused where they fit into the roll-out and what guidance is available. It also urged the government to take immediate action to reassess the costs of the roll-out and the impact that these could have on business energy costs.