Roll out of smart meters halted to protect customers during pandemic

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Roll out of smart meters halted to protect customers during the coronavirus pandemic

By Money Mail Reporter For The Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

The roll out of smart meters has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Trade body Energy UK says its members have stopped installing or repairing smart meters, except in emergencies, in line with G­overnment guidance. 

It adds that energy suppliers are limiting face-to-face interactions to protect staff and customers. 

Trade body Energy UK says its members have stopped installing or repairing smart meters, except in emergencies, in line with G­overnment guidance

Smart meters automatically send readings to suppliers and are supposed to cut energy use and save households money. 

The latest move heaps misery on m­inisters who have already been forced to delay smart meter targets by four years, until 2024. 

The roll-out has been plagued by glitches and slow installation rates, which prompted experts to predict the Government would not meet its target of having a smart meter in 85 per cent of UK homes until at least 2028. 

The estimated cost of the scheme has already risen £2.5billion to £13.5billion.

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