Smart meters: customers say they can't get firms to install them

Each month energy suppliers are putting 400,000 smart meters into UK homes. But 1m are needed to hit the 2020 target'Get smart" urges the website of EDF, one of the UK's largest utilities firms. It tells customers that a free smart meter will help them manage their gas and electricity bills "the hassle-free way" and promises those who book an installation that "we'll help you get smart about the energy". The deal is part of a government target to offer every householder a cost-saving smart meter by 2020. The technology provides real-time information about energy consumption, but many of those who accept the invitation are left not smart but smarting.London pensioner Lara Sykes* has repeatedly tried to book an installation with EDF. "It keeps urging me via online promotions to hurry up and book an appointment, but each time I try I'm told it is not servicing my area yet," she says. "This has happened more than six times. I was told that it was still training engineers. It is unable to give even an approximate timescale." Continue reading...