The smart meter roll out deadline for energy suppliers has been pushed back from 2020 to 2024 .
Energy suppliers were told to get smart meters into their customers’ homes by the end of 2020, despite being told that the target was unrealistic. While no one is being forced to have a smart meter installed, suppliers have to at least offer them out, but the multitude of problems that appear to be plaguing those who have adopted isn’t going to make it that appealing.
Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, has applauded the delay as a “common-sense move” that shows that the government has “finally recognizedised reality”.
She added, “this new deadline gives suppliers time to fix ongoing technical problems and make sure customer service isn’t sidelined as the rollout continues.” We’ve seen some energy companies use aggressive techniques to try to persuade people to have smart meters fitted as soon as possible to meet the existing timeline.
“We are pleased the Government is extending the deadline. It’s also apparent the cost of the rollout is escalating, and the public are picking up the tab through their energy bills .
“People will still benefit in the long run, but today cost-benefit analysis shows focusing on speed hasn’t worked. “
The new deadline aims to have 85 per cent of energy suppliers’ customer base get smart meters installed by the end of 2024.
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