Energy Suppliers under pressure to step up Smart Meter rollout in 2021- How not to alienate customers

Avoiding Fines

The data suggests that energy suppliers are hoping to install 2.6 million smart meters in the first half of 2021 as they seek to make up lost ground caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the first lockdown back in March, the number of smart meters being installed declined close to zero resulting in a significant backlog in the smart meter rollout, so much so, that Ofgem pushed back the 2020 target to 30^th June 2021.

The number of installations improved throughout the year as energy suppliers adapted to social distancing measures. During the second lockdown, the number of meters being installed suffered only minor disruption.

Also read: Smart Meter Installations rebound strongly and held steady during Lockdown 2.0

Stepping up

Energy suppliers will have to step up their efforts to hit their targets and avoid being fined by the energy regulator.

Suppliers have seen the likes of Scottish Power be investigated by Ofgem for failing to hit smart meter rollout targets, and companies such as SSE have received fines.

To improve installation rates, some of the larger suppliers have announced that they will contact all of their customers who have previously said no to having a meter installed and try to change their minds.

Also read: Ofgem is investigating Scottish Power over Smart Meter Obligations

A Balancing act

With public perception of smart meters still rocky at best energy, suppliers will need to find a balancing act.

Being too pushy with customers already suspicious of smart meters will only alienate them and result in them doubling down further in their opposition. In the worst-case scenario, the customer could decide to ditch the supplier entirely and go elsewhere.

The media have long had the smart meter rollout in their sights, so any moves deemed as pushy or harassing to consumers will only make negative headlines and make the challenge of hitting targets even harder.

Tom Lyon, director of energy for energyhelpline.com, the switching website, said: "For consumers who don't want a smart meter installed, the prospect of being hassled to do so won't come as welcome news. However, the reality is that more ambitious targets have come because the rollout is years behind schedule and over budget. Consumers have been helping to pay for the rollout, and it's vital that they see the benefits of the programme reflected in lower bills."

Show them the benefits!

Also read: What are the advantages of smart meters?

Get DCC connected with Dyball Associates

Energy suppliers can connect with and communicate with the DCC smart meters network via Dyball Associates SaaS DCC Adapter.

The adapter simplifies the process and cuts back on the level of IT development an energy supplier needs to make to their internal systems saving them money and manpower.

For more information about our DCC Adapter, Click HERE.

Further Reading

Ministers urged to do more as requests for energy bill assistance soar

What does 2021 hold for the UK Energy Market?

Wind Energy breaks new record and the link between Fishing and Energy in the Brexit Trade deal

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