Don't get distracted by display devices, ERA warns

12th July 2007

The Energy Retail Association (ERA) today welcomed the Government’s announcement of its energy saving smart meter trials, jointly funded by ERA members EDF Energy, E.ON UK, Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Power. However, it continued to stress the urgency of a proper mandate for suppliers to deliver smart electricity and gas meters to all households within ten years, since the benefits of these are already abundantly clear.

Smart meters are able to provide accurate information to both the consumer and supplier on the electricity and gas being consumed; they eliminate the need for meter readings and estimated bills, and they provide the foundation for even greater choice in tariffs and products for every home. 

Duncan Sedgwick, chief executive of the Energy Retail Association, commented:

“Smart meters have the potential to revolutionise the way we use energy in our homes - this should not be underestimated.

While electricity display devices can be useful for customers who want to take an active interest in their energy usage, smart metering both gas and electricity is the only way to make a real reduction in carbon emissions and to benefit all customers in the long-term.”