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- Digital smart meters rolled out as an energy-saving measure
- Meters send instant information back to energy suppliers on usage
- Energy giant British Gas is trialling charging more at peak times
- Watchdog Ofgem warned in report suppliers would develop new tariffs
Energy giants are set to use digital smart meters as a way to double the cost of power when families need it most — adding nearly £60 a year to the average bill. A Money Mail investigation has discovered Britain’s leading power firms are expected to introduce tariffs that charge more at peak times when they roll out new electronic meters which monitor how much energy you use by the second. It means electricity and gas used in the evenings could cost 99 per cent more than at other times — penalising everyone cooking family meals, watching popular TV shows and heating their homes on chilly winter evenings. Higher charges will also apply in the morning when people are most likely to be taking baths and showers and having the central heating on.
Money Mail has discovered that British Gas has already trialled a tariff that charges more at peak times. And we have uncovered evidence that smart-meter schemes unveiled in other countries have proved a disaster, with complaints about soaring costs and an outcry over invasion of privacy. Experts have raised fears about complicated payments which could be difficult to understand.....Read more here
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May 2015 Ofgem to investigate 'forcibly installed' pre-pay meters LINK
June 2015 Call to cut pre-payment meter charges by Ofgem LINK
November 2015 E.On to pay £7m for smart meter failure LINK