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In January 2025, the UK’s smart meter rollout achieved a significant milestone. The Data Communications Company (DCC) announced that 20 million homes and businesses are now connected to their network, utilising over 33 million smart meters. While it’s right to celebrate this achievement, it shouldn’t mask the massive underlying problems with the smart meter rollout. The rollout has been plagued with a history of technical issues, budget and time extensions, not to mention a global

When the energy monopolies were broken up and competitive markets were introduced in the 1990s, the aim was that suppliers would compete with each other to offer consumers better deals. It was supposed to lead to win-win situations, where the suppliers that delivered the best customer experiences would succeed, while consumers benefit.  However, Ofgem’s latest Change of Supplier (CoS) report indicates it isn’t working. Fewer consumers are switching energy providers, while larger suppliers dominate the

The smart meter rollout aims to get a smart energy meter in 75% of the UK’s homes and businesses by the end of 2025. It’s not been a very smooth process so far, with technical glitches, budget problems and a global pandemic just three of the issues that have slowed down the rollout. Today, it looks like the rollout won’t hit its target.  While some of the problems the rollout has faced were avoidable, there

The target to complete the smart meter rollout looks out of reach. However, the industry is not giving up hope yet. It’s fair to say the initiative to get smart energy meters into every home and business in the UK has not gone smoothly. Technical issues have made a whole generation of meters obsolete. There have been supply problems, budgetary miscalculations and more. Then, there was the COVID pandemic, which further derailed everything.  At regular

Ofgem research has found energy customer satisfaction is at record levels, with suppliers making vast improvements. How has this happened?  It’s hard to believe, but the data doesn’t lie. Ofgem’s latest Energy Customer Satisfaction Survey has discovered that customer satisfaction levels are at a record high – only two years after they were at a record low. So how has this happened? Let’s take a deeper dive into Ofgem’s figures to try and find out.

The number of households switching their energy suppliers has increased again. But are switchers making genuine savings?  The number of energy customers switching suppliers is at its highest level since the start of the 2021 energy crisis. Driven by advice from influential consumer journalist Martin Lewis to lock down a tariff before the price cap increase in October, more than 250,000 customers decided to make the switch. However, industry research has found that only minor

Ofgem has launched an investigation to determine if the nation’s smart meters are smart enough. But what does that mean? The smart meter rollout has faced a lot of challenges since it began so many years ago. There have been a series of delays, technical problems, budgetary issues and, of course, a global pandemic. But now, there’s a new obstacle for the industry to navigate. Ofgem has begun an investigation to act on concerns that

Citizens Advice’s latest star ratings for energy suppliers are out – and they make grim reading. What can they do to improve their scores? Every quarter, Citizens Advice publishes star ratings for energy suppliers, tracking customer satisfaction across a range of metrics. The latest ratings are out, but unfortunately, they’re amongst the lowest ever across the industry, with no signs of improvement.  In this article, we’ll look at these ratings in more detail and what

New figures show that smart meter installation numbers are down again. How can the powers that be get the rollout back on track? was 2019 – over years ago. However, a combination of technical issues, budget problems, public apathy and a global pandemic has meant that we’re still a long way from getting a smart meter in every UK home and business. What’s more, there are no signs of a plan to meet the current

After a long period of stagnation, consumers are starting to switch energy suppliers again. But what does that mean when you look behind the headlines? The latest Electralink figures are out – and it’s positive news for energy market observers. The number of people switching energy suppliers is at its highest level since 2021, when switching all but disappeared. However, when you dig deeper into the numbers, you see that the marketplace may not be

The UK’s Demand Flexibility Service helps energy suppliers manage loads and helps consumers save money. But how does it work? In the winter of 2022, when electricity prices were at their peak, the National Grid came up with an innovative idea to avoid energy shortages and help consumers save money on their bills. The Demand Flexibility Service (DFS)—the first of its type in the world—was considered such a success that it was repeated in the

After the chaos of the last two years, the energy sector in the UK may finally be returning to something like normality. Ofgem is lowering the price cap again, potentially saving consumers significant sums. However, it’s not all good news. In fact, many observers believe that consumers are not seeing enough of a reduction in what they pay. Are suppliers using this as an opportunity to make gains after tough times? In this article, we’ll

The latest UK Customer Satisfaction numbers are out – and it’s grim reading for utility providers. The UK Customer Satisfaction Index for January 2024 has just been published. Unfortunately for the utility sector, the numbers are not good. Public satisfaction with their utility suppliers is at a ten-year low.  In this article, we’ll dive deeper into these figures and try to explain why consumers don’t care for their utility suppliers – and if there’s anything

With the price cap coming down and more consumers switching suppliers, should we be optimistic about the future of the UK’s energy marketplace? The UK energy market has been tough for consumers in the last two years. We’ve seen sky-high prices, little choice in fixed tariffs and a closed market that discourages switching. It’s not been ideal for suppliers either, with many going out of business under the strain.  However, two pieces of news may

An open letter from Ofgem shares concerns that suppliers aren’t doing enough to combat rising incidences of energy theft.  Energy theft is on the rise in the UK. There are more and more incidences of people tampering with their gas or electricity meters to try and get around paying for their energy. Ofgem is not happy with this development, as energy theft has adverse effects across the industry. As a result, they have written an

According to critics, the UK’s smart meter rollout is floundering again and a new approach is needed. What can be done? Let’s find out more. The UK’s smart meter rollout has had a troubled history, to say the least. Since it was first devised in 2008, it’s faced massive technical issues, several budgetary problems and a global pandemic that all but put a halt to the whole thing. The rollout was supposed to be completed

Why do energy suppliers trap so many consumers in tariffs that are too high? Can anything be done? Promoting competition in the energy industry was supposed to work so well. Suppliers were supposed to be able to compete for customers by lowering prices and offering incentives for business, all with the Ofgem energy price cap acting as a safeguard for consumers. However, in the aftermath of the worst energy crisis ever in the UK, many

Ofgem’s energy price cap is at its lowest in 18 months. Can consumers take advantage by switching suppliers at this time? The last 12 months in the energy industry have been volatile for everybody – suppliers, consumers, regulators and the government. Wholesale prices hit record highs, as did consumers’ energy bills. Of course, bills would’ve been even higher if not for the government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG), costing the taxpayer tens of billions of pounds. 

The UK’s smart meter rollout is continuing with a vengeance. But while there is news to celebrate, there may be trouble ahead.  It’s fair to say that the UK’s smart meter rollout programme has been a bumpy ride. We’ve had technical problems that caused a whole generation of smart meters to be replaced. We’ve had budget issues and timeline extensions. We’ve even had a global pandemic that all but halted the rollout entirely.  However, even

As the UK government’s energy bill subsidies end, some suppliers may not be playing fair with their customers.  Since October 2022, the government has capped the unit price consumers pay for their electricity and gas through its Energy Price Guarantee. While this support has now ended, from July 2023, the good news is that the current Ofgem price cap is lower than the rate previously set. In theory, customers should be able to switch their

In a world where every penny counts, discover how smart meters can be your secret weapon for saving both energy and money! At Meter Corp, we regularly trumpet the benefits of smart meters, including: Automated meter readings The ability to see your energy use in real-time Nudges towards saving energy (and money) However, it’s emerged that consumers are gaining greater benefits from having smart meters than industry experts (and the government) initially thought. The problem

The UK’s energy regulator has documented the past, present and future of the smart meter rollout. But what does it mean to you?  In an open letter, Ofgem, as the regulatory body in charge of the UK’s energy industry, has set out the current status of the country’s smart meter rollout. It documents everything that has happened this year to progress the rollout and identifies what needs to be done moving forward to meet the

Even if you pay upfront for your energy, you can reap the benefits of smart meters. Are prepayment smart meters right for you? Standard smart meters that display your energy use in real-time and communicate with your supplier are by far the most popular type of smart meter. But they’re not the only type. For example, if you’re on a prepayment tariff with your energy supplier, you can get a prepayment smart meter which brings

While nowhere near previous levels, consumers are beginning to switch power suppliers again. But is the energy industry ready for a return to competitiveness? It’s been a crazy year for the UK energy industry. Thanks to a perfect storm of factors, we’ve seen all-time high prices, blackout scares and unprecedented government intervention. During this time, competition between energy suppliers for consumer business all but disappeared. Even price comparison websites that get paid for delivering switchers

Several major energy suppliers are incentivising their customers with smart meters to save energy at peak times. How does it work? Let’s find out more. We all know about the energy crisis that is engulfing the UK right now. The supply of power is low thanks to many factors, including a resurgence in demand after the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Energy prices are higher than ever, so high that the UK government is

It’s not just the UK that is reaping the benefits of smart meters. It’s happening all over the world. Let’s find out more. It’s been a rocky ride, with technical issues, financing problems and a global pandemic to overcome, but the UK smart meter rollout is finally progressing towards its target. The target, which has been extended on several occasions, is ambitious. The goal is to get a smart meter in every home and business

We’re all worried about the rise in energy bills, but could your smart meter give you a bit of extra help? Let’s find out more. It’s been the top news story for months. Gas and electricity prices are at record levels due to a perfect storm of factors, including the war in Ukraine and a resurgence in demand after COVID-19. It’s tough for all of us, even with government intervention that fixes the unit price

Some meters are smarter than others. What’s in your home – and could you benefit from a smart meter? Let’s find out more. More and more people are getting smart energy meters every day in the UK. It’s all part of the government’s plan to get a smart meter in every home and business by the end of 2025. But what are they replacing? There are several types of energy meters, all with their own

Smart meters are making a difference to consumers and businesses worldwide, with no signs of stopping. Let’s find out more. We talk extensively about the UK’s smart meter rollout, its setbacks and successes. However, it’s clear that smart meters are becoming a global phenomenon. A new study from Fortune Business Insights on the worldwide market for smart meters predicts impressive growth over the next few years. In this article, we’ll look at the numbers that

Getting a smart meter installed in your home is quite a straightforward process, but it still helps to be prepared. Let’s find out more. Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to get a smart meter installed in your home. Soon, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of having a smart meter, including more accurate bills, no more sending meter readings to your supplier and being able to monitor your energy usage in real-time. However, you

The 20 millionth smart meter has just been installed in the UK. Let’s find out more about the smart meter rollout and look to the future. It’s fair to say that the UK’s smart meter rollout hasn’t gone as smoothly as the government would have hoped when it first began in 2011. There have been several technical issues, notably when it was discovered that many smart meters didn’t work if the customer switched their supplier,

Getting a smart meter is an easy process, as long as you’re eligible. But who can and can’t get a smart meter? Let’s find out more. There are several benefits to getting a smart meter installed in your home or business.  Accurate billing – no more estimated billsConvenience – say goodbye to manual meter readingsReal-time energy use information nudges you towards saving energy – great for your bank account and the planet But, before you

Smart meters are great, but they’re not the only meter you can have in your home. At Meter Corp, we talk a lot about smart meters. That’s because we genuinely believe in the benefits they can bring to energy consumers: Accurate billingEase of use – no more manual meter readingsReal-time energy use information nudges you towards saving energy However, getting a smart meter in your home is not compulsory. You may be happy with the

Smart meters must evolve to catch up with technology and avoid becoming obsolete. How will it happen and who’s paying for it? It’s fair to say that the UK’s smart meter rollout has had its fair share of problems. Technical hitches, budget issues and a global pandemic have all derailed the project at times. However, in 2022, things are starting to get back on track. Installation numbers are high again and many consumers are beginning

What does the new year hold for the smart meter industry in the UK and around the world? Let’s find out more. At Meter Corp, we always like to keep you updated on the fast-moving smart meter industry. It seems there’s always something going on, from the smart meter rollout to new tariffs and beyond.  Looking back on 2021, it’s clear that it was a year of massive upheaval for the smart meter sector as

Still on the fence about getting a smart meter installed? Let’s find out about the brilliant benefits smart meters can bring you. There’s been a lot of talk about smart meters in the news at the moment, especially around the current energy supply issues affecting the country. But is it really worth taking the time to get a smart meter installed in your home? In this article, we’ll go through ten benefits of smart meters.

If you’re a landlord, installing a smart meter into your rented properties can benefit you, your tenants and the planet. Let’s find out more. You already know that smart meters can bring you many benefits. Being able to monitor your energy consumption in real-time makes it easier to understand your relationship with energy. Then, you can make small changes to reduce your energy consumption, saving you money and being kinder to the environment. But did

High wholesale prices are causing problems for energy suppliers and consumers alike, but the UK government is working on measures to solve them. Let’s find out more. It’s an unprecedented time for the energy industry. A combination of events has created a perfect storm, which is bad news for energy suppliers and consumers. Suppliers are going out of business, consumers are facing substantially higher energy bills, while the knock-on effects could be disastrous. The UK

As renewable energy becomes cheaper and more prevalent, your smart meter could be the hub of your new energy-efficient home. Let’s find out more. If you’ve got a smart meter in your home, you’re already aware of how it makes it easy to monitor how much energy you use in real-time. Smart meters keep track of how much gas and electricity you consume at any given moment and display it to you in an easy-to-read

Smart meters are supposed to help you save money, as well as being great for the planet. So why are UK consumers so reluctant to get them? Let’s find out more. The stats tell a bleak story. Ten years on from the start of the UK’s smart meter rollout and only 42% of homes and businesses have had one installed. Even worse, around one-fifth of those meters aren’t running in smart mode. It’s fair to

Just one in six energy tariffs are compatible with smart meters – and they’re more expensive. It could put the smart meter rollout in jeopardy. Let’s find out more. It was supposed to be one of the primary selling points of smart meters – that consumers would save money on their energy bills. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be turning out that way. Research shows consumers find that when it’s time to get a new

A new way for consumers to pay for electricity could alleviate strain on the industry, encourage better habits and make smart meters more beneficial. The energy industry needs to incorporate renewables into the energy mix on a much larger scale as part of its drive towards net zero. This requires some management of demand. Thanks to some logical thinking, there is now a solution that nudges consumers in the right direction rather than punishing them.

Following another delay to the UK smart meter rollout deadline, it’s time to assess where we are and how things can be improved. The smart meter rollout is something we have talked about a lot, but that’s because there is always something new happening. Unfortunately, it is rarely good news. Since the plan to install a smart energy meter in every UK home and business was announced in 2009, there have been budget extensions, technical

With energy suppliers being squeezed from multiple directions at the moment, how can they be expected to devote resources to the smart meter rollout? Who would want to run an energy supplier right now? The market has never been more volatile, while numerous other factors (not just the Coronavirus pandemic) are causing stress within their operations. What’s more, when the market is volatile like this, it’s terrible for consumers too. So what are the factors