Large energy suppliers will need to triple the number of smart meters they are installing to meet a 2020 deadline, consumer group Which? has warned. It said firms would need to install 30 smart meters a minute, every day, for the next two years to replace the 46 million existing meters. At present, large energy suppliers are only putting in 9.7 meters a minute. Smart Energy GB said suppliers "are working hard to offer all households smart meters as soon as possible".

A spokesman for the independent body which is responsible for promoting the scheme, added: "In line with the government's figures, smart meters will help people save on average almost £50 a year on their energy bills by 2030." 'Massively delayed'

But Alex Neill, managing director of home products and services at Which?, said: "The smart meter rollout has been plagued by problems and been massively delayed, the benefits have been overstated and the savings they could bring consumers are at risk." She added: "Therefore it's time for the Government to replan with industry and consumer groups to ensure people get the maximum benefit at the minimum cost." So far, large suppliers - that are defined by Which? as those with 250,000 customers or more - have installed 11 million smart meters, which show people how much energy they are using and the cost in pounds and pence.

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