UK householders are keen to enjoy the cost-saving benefits of smart meters, new research suggests.
A survey by Lightspeed Research for Smart Energy GB found that consumers are ready to make changes to their energy consumption if it means they pay less for gas and electricity.
Nine in ten consumers who are not on a time-of-use tariff (or haven’t heard of them) said they would find one more appealing if it led to cheaper energy bills. Another 69% said they would find them more appealing if they were better for the environment.
Gas and electricity time-of-use tariffs are designed to make it cheaper to use energy at times of the day when fewer households are using it, such as in the afternoon, overnight and at weekends. As well as cutting costs for consumers, this reduces pressure on the energy networks and supports greater use of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.
Such tariffs are still relatively uncommon, but according to Smart Energy GB the UK rollout of smart meters means that momentum around this new pricing structure is building.
“As this research shows, smart meters will play a vital part in enabling households to use renewable energy and electric vehicles to make a real contribution to a more sustainable environment,” said Robert Cheesewright, director of corporate affairs at Smart Energy GB.
“Not only that, but they also have unrivalled potential to reward people with lower bills for doing their bit to save the planet, leaving them with more cash in their pocket to spend on the things they want.”
