Which?’s reaction to Public Accounts Committee report on smart meter roll-out

17 January 2012

As the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) publishes its report on the smart meter roll-out, Richard Lloyd, executive director at Which?, says:
"This report confirms our view that the smart meter roll-out should be stopped and reviewed before the costs escalate. While smart meters themselves can be beneficial, it’s unacceptable for the energy companies to be in charge of deciding costs for this roll-out.

“The Government must listen to warnings from MPs, energy suppliers and consumer groups alike, otherwise it risks an embarrassing and costly failure that will be rejected by consumers.”

Notes to Editor

Which? has recently commissioned a report by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, reviewing the Government's proposed roll-out of smart meters. For a copy of the report, please contact Alice Lythgoe-Goldstein on 020 7770 7567 or alice.lythgoe-goldstein@which.co.uk

Which? wants the Government to:

  • Stop its current smart meter roll-out programme, and to review the hands-off, supplier led approach
  • Re-start the roll-out from 2014 with a strong sense of leadership that will effectively control costs and maximise the benefits for consumers
  • Find out more at www.which.co.uk/stopsmart
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