Energy smart meter issues creating north-south divide

Published On Nov 11, 2024, 1:00 AM

A recent investigation by BBC Panorama highlights significant issues with smart meters in northern England and Scotland, where signal transmission relies on radio frequencies, unlike the cellular technology used in southern regions. This has led to many customers having to submit manual readings, resulting in incorrect billing. The government estimates £13.5 billion has been spent on the smart meter rollout, but 3.5 million meters are reportedly malfunctioning. Experts criticize the rollout process and the technology's limitations, with calls for a more effective solution to ensure smart meters fulfill their intended purpose of reducing energy costs and emissions.