Smart energy outlook, the biannual nationwide poll into the opinions of almost 10,000 people in Great Britain was carried out by Populus. The survey followed the publication of official figures by the UK Government finding that over 11 million smart meters have now been installed in homes across Great Britain. According to the Smart Energy GB survey, the overwhelming majority of customers who have smart meters installed in their homes are happy with them.
Smart meters are replacing the traditional analogue meters currently installed in homes. The aim is to provide accurate bills, near real time information on energy use and greater control over the way consumers buy and use energy.
The survey found that around three quarters (73 percent) of people with a smart meter would recommend one to friends, family or neighbours. This is equivalent to 6.3 million people who would recommend a smart meter.
The majority (82 percent) of people with smart meters say they have a better idea of what they are spending on energy, while 81 percent think their energy bill is accurate compared to only 67 percent with a traditional analogue meter. More than eight in ten (82 percent) of people with smart meters have taken steps to reduce energy waste and one in three (33 percent) of people with a smart meter are now starting discussions to encourage others in their household to use less energy.
The positive impact of smart meters also remains stable over time. People who have had a smart meter for longer than a year are more likely to feel their energy bill is accurate and to say they are not as concerned about running up a big energy bill.
Smart Energy GB believes that the Smart energy outlook shows that smart meters are not only proving popular but that they’re also positively influencing the way people use gas and electricity, as well as how they feel about their household energy.
“No matter what stories you might have heard, this research shows that the experience of managing your gas and electricity bills is vastly improved when you’ve got a smart meter in your home,” said Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB. It’s crucial we upgrade to smart meters so that everyone has the opportunity to experience a more effective and positive way of managing household energy.”
Smart energy outlook is carried out for Smart Energy GB, twice a year, by independent research agency Populus. It surveys almost 10,000 people aged 21+ around the country using a bespoke online survey.
Image: Smart Energy GB
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