Households experiencing delays or unsuccessful installations of smart meters will now be entitled to £40 compensation as per new regulations effective today. The compensation will be automatic in certain situations, such as when households have to wait over six weeks for a smart meter appointment.
Additionally, compensation will apply if an installation appointment fails due to a supplier-controlled fault or if a supplier fails to provide a resolution plan for a reported issue within five working days.
The updated rules on smart meters were implemented today to assist in the ongoing deployment of smart meters to households throughout the UK.
Over 70% of households in the UK currently have smart meters or advanced meters, according to government data. Notably, more than 900,000 previously non-operational smart meters have been repaired or replaced since 2024, as reported by the watchdog.
Melissa Giordano, Ofgem’s deputy director of systems and processes, emphasized the benefits of smart meters in providing accurate bills, cost-effective tariffs, and real-time energy consumption tracking. She stressed the importance of ensuring swift smart meter installations that work efficiently from the start.
As energy bills are anticipated to decrease this spring, with Cornwall Insight predicting a drop in the Ofgem price cap from £1,758 to £1,641 for a typical dual fuel home, Ofgem will unveil its next price cap on February 25, covering the period from April 1 to June 30.
Consumers on a standard variable rate (SVR) tariff will be shielded by the Ofgem price cap if they are not under a fixed-rate deal. It is important to note that while there is a price cap on units of gas and electricity, the total energy cost is determined by individual usage.
The Ofgem price cap limits the charges for gas and electricity units and standing charges, which are fixed daily fees for energy network connection. The price cap serves as an indicator of the annual cost for individuals with typical energy consumption.