Installation rates for smart meters are so far behind schedule it could take almost a decade longer than predicted to get them in every home, experts have warned

• Smart meters installation rates are down more than five per cent since last year 
• The Government wanted the meters in all properties by 2020 but revised this 
• The estimated cost of the scheme has already risen £2.5billion to £13.5billion 
• Some homes say their device has stopped working after switching supplier

The installation of smart meters in every home could take almost a decade longer than planned, experts warn.

Ministers originally wanted the energy meters in all properties by 2020 but had already been forced to revise this to 85 per cent of homes by 2024.

But in a new blow to the benighted project, installation rates by large energy suppliers are down 5.3 per cent since last year, according to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Smart meters send readings to suppliers and are supposed to cut energy consumption, save money and the environment. But some homes say their device has stopped working after switching supplier and the latest figures show 3.1million are still unable to be used [File photo]

Peter Earl, from comparethemarket.com, warned: ‘If installations carry on at the current pace we estimate that we won’t see a smart meter in 85 per cent of homes until at least 2028.’

The estimated cost of the scheme has already risen £2.5billion to £13.5billion.

Smart meters send readings to suppliers and are supposed to cut energy consumption, save money and the environment. 

But some homes say their device has stopped working after switching supplier and the latest figures show 3.1million are still unable to be used.

Robert Cheesewright, of Smart Energy GB, set up to promote the devices, said: ‘Every smart meter installed is a step closer to a system which will enable Britain to make full use of renewable energy and tackle our aging energy system’s contribution to climate change.’ 

In a new blow to the benighted project, installation rates by large energy suppliers are down 5.3 per cent since last year, according to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. A smart meter is pictured above [File photo]

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