Letter from Charles Hendry to the Daily Mail on Smart Meters 20 January 2012
“Smart meters will give more control over how we use energy at home and work, helping us cut waste and save money. And it will mean an end to estimated billing: no more nasty surprises for consumers.”
The Government is determined to see consumers benefit from the introduction of smart meters and will study carefully the Public Accounts Committee report claiming the £11billion smart meter plan ‘risks fiasco’ from which only the energy suppliers will benefit (Mail). Consumer protection is at the core of the programme and we’ve been consulting consumer groups over the past year. Smart meters will give more control over how we use energy at home and work, helping us cut waste and save money. And it will mean an end to estimated billing: no more nasty surprises for consumers.
They also have a key role in modernising our electricity system so we keep the lights on and bills down. Energy companies will be able to do their job more efficiently, which will mean fewer costs for us. The potential benefits of smart meters are £18.7 billion from an £11.7 billion investment.
Energy Minister Charles Hendry
Department of Energy, London SW1.