Malfunctioning smart meters have put almost 4 million households at risk of overpaying on their energy bills, with inaccuracies leading to estimated rather than actual consumption bills.
Nearly four million households in the UK are at risk of overpaying on their energy bills due to malfunctioning smart meters, as reported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Government data highlights a rise in the number of faulty smart meters, with 4.31 million reported in June 2023, which slightly decreased to 3.98 million by the end of last year.
Smart meters are intended to provide precise energy usage information to both consumers and energy suppliers, facilitating the choice of better tariff plans and potentially leading to cost savings. However, inaccuracies related to faulty meters result in estimated billing instead of charges based on actual consumption. This malfunction can cause consumers to pay more than what is due, emphasizing the importance of keeping these meters in good working condition.
Energy UK stresses the importance of customers contacting their suppliers if they face any issues with their smart meters to seek appropriate solutions. Accurate data representation and cooperation between suppliers and partners are vital in maximizing the benefits of smart meters for households.
Additionally, signs of a malfunctioning smart meter include unexpected high bills, unusual charges, or error messages on prepayment meters. Citizens Advice has made an online tool available for consumers to check the status of their smart meters using details from their energy bills. It is highlighted that new smart meters can take up to six weeks to fully connect and that manual readings may be necessary for those with older meters during supplier switches.
Consumers are advised to report suspected faults to their energy supplier promptly to ensure their smart meters provide accurate tracking of energy usage and billing. Proper functioning of these devices is essential in avoiding unnecessary overcharges on energy bills.
