Smart meters causing an estimated 1.1 million Brits to worry about their energy use more with a quarter checking them every day

New research has revealed that smart meters could be causing millions of Brits to worry about their energy usage more. The figures found that 8% of smart meter users (equal to 6% of all UK adults) dislike their device, equivalent to an estimated 3.4 million people nationwide. ^{[1] [2]}

Of these, one of the top reasons given, by just over a third of respondents (35%) was that it makes them worry about their usage more, which is equal to an estimated 1.1 million people nationwide. ^{[1] [3]}

The data comes from the latest survey by Go.Compare home insurance, which asked respondents about their opinions of the device ahead of the next energy price cap announcement. The results showed that, while the majority of users like them, smart meters could be causing an increase in energy-use anxiety for a significant portion of the nation.

Women appear to be especially impacted by these worries. Almost two in five (39%) women who dislike smart meters gave this as their reason, compared to just under a third (31%) of men.

These fears are reinforced by how often some users are checking their smart meter. According to the comparison site’s survey, smart meter owners check the device three times per week on average, but over a quarter (27%) admitted that they check it once per day or more.

Younger smart meter users and those in lower income brackets are among the most likely to do this. Around a third of users with an annual household income of £25,000 or less said that they check their smart meter every day, falling to just 17% of those with an income of £75,000 or more. Similarly, just over a third (34%) of under 25s said they check it daily, while a quarter of 55+s stated they never check it.

As well as worrying about energy usage, 35% of those who dislike their smart meter said they don’t trust energy companies to use the data fairly. Other reasons include that they believe it is costing them more money (29%) and because they simply do not know how to use it (16%).

Of those who don’t have a smart meter, a lack of knowledge in how to use them, was a key reason.  Just over a fifth (21%) of those without a smart meter said they feel it would be used to charge them more money, while a similar percentage (20%) said they have data privacy concerns. One in 20 (5%) even said they’re worried about health effects from radio waves – a concern that has been debunked by professionals.

However, most smart meter users (56%) said they like the device, with just over half (53%) of these users saying they appreciate that it sends smart meter readings automatically. Similar percentages praised the fact it helps them understand when they use the most energy (51%) and manage their bills (50%), while 41% said it helps them to save money.

Gareth Kloet, energy spokesperson at Go.Compare, said: “With the latest energy price cap announcement imminent, many households will be attempting to cut down energy bill costs where they can. Smart meters can be very useful in helping keep track of gas and electricity usage and many users even say that they’ve saved them money.

“However, for some, being able to watch their consumption and costs rise in real-time can be a source of stress, encouraging unhealthy behaviours. Our latest figures show that this, understandably, is particularly prevalent among those who are likely to be under more financial pressure, like those on lower incomes and younger age groups.

“It’s important to monitor your energy usage, but checking too often could create excessive worrying. If you feel you are becoming too preoccupied with checking your smart meter, or that you are excessively worrying about your energy consumption and paying bills, please reach out to your energy supplier who can advise you.”

More insights on how the nation is coping with rising living costs can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

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