Households experiencing delays or failed installations of smart meters will now be entitled to £40 in compensation according to recently implemented regulations effective today. The compensation will be automatic under specific conditions, such as waiting more than six weeks for a smart meter appointment.
Additionally, compensation will be provided if an installation appointment fails due to the supplier’s fault or if the supplier fails to address a reported issue within five working days. These new rules aim to facilitate the widespread installation of smart meters in UK households.
Over 70% of households in the UK currently have either a smart meter or an advanced meter based on government data. The regulatory body reported that over 900,000 non-operational smart meters have been repaired or replaced since 2024.
Melissa Giordano, the deputy director of systems and processes at Ofgem, emphasized the benefits of smart meters, including accurate billing, lower tariffs, and real-time energy monitoring. The objective is to ensure prompt access to smart meters for all interested customers and guarantee their immediate functionality. These regulations are designed to hold suppliers to clear standards, enhance performance, and safeguard consumers in case of issues.
In other news, energy bills are predicted to decrease this spring, with Cornwall Insight forecasting a drop in the Ofgem price cap from £1,758 to £1,641 annually for a typical dual fuel household. The next price cap announcement by Ofgem is scheduled for February 25, covering the period from April 1 to June 30.
Consumers on standard variable rate tariffs are covered by the Ofgem price cap if they have not opted for a fixed-rate deal. While there is no total cap on energy costs, billing is based on actual energy usage. The Ofgem price cap limits the charges for gas and electricity units, as well as fixed standing charges for connection to the energy network, reflecting the expected annual expenses for average energy consumption.