Signal Issues Render Smart Meters 'Dumb' for 3.5M UK Households
- 3.5 million smart meters in the UK may not function as expected, especially in certain regions
- Regional differences in signal strength mean northern England and Scotland face unique challenges
- Users with non-functional meters miss out on accurate billing and cheaper tariffs
A staggering 3.5 million smart meters across the UK are falling short of their “smart” potential due to regional signal issues. BBC's Panorama recently highlighted how meters in Northern England and Scotland operate differently than those in the south, impacting their ability to send data to suppliers for accurate billing.
One affected user, Dr. Hartesh Battu from Glasgow, has faced the frustrating experience of installing six different meters, none of which successfully transmitted data. This left him manually tracking energy usage and missing out on night-time rates ideal for charging his electric car.
Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented, “Smart meters can be a great tool for saving on bills, but they’re only as effective as the network they’re on. If you’re experiencing issues, reach out to your energy provider to explore alternatives."