Overview
- Lewis said suppliers can mandate a smart meter only when an existing meter is no longer certified or is invalid.
- He warned that some supplier letters imply no choice, though most households can refuse routine installations.
- He noted that certification stickers may be outdated because the Office for Product Safety and Standards can extend a meter’s approved life.
- He explained that suppliers face targets and potential fines for installations, which helps to explain the recent push on customers.
- He outlined benefits such as automatic readings and access to time‑of‑use tariffs, while citing research that about 20% of smart meters malfunction.