This week I contacted the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to ask whether I am compelled under law or statute to accept the installation of smart meters for gas and electric supplies in my private home, or do I have the right to refuse, and continue to use non smart meters.
Here is their reply:
Quote:
3 February 2012
Dear Mr XXXXXXXX,
Thank you for your email dated 28 January about smart meters.
The roll-out of smart meters is an important national modernisation programme. It will bring big benefits to individual consumers and to the nation as a whole, and we expect consumers to welcome the benefits smart meters will bring. The aim is for all homes to have smart meters by 2019. Suppliers will be required to install smart meters and take all reasonable steps to reach everyone. However, the Government does not expect energy suppliers to take legal action to fit a smart meter if they cannot get the householder’s co-operation.
I hope this has been helpful.
Yours sincerely,
James Fulton
DECC Correspondence Unit
As I understand the current situation, the Government has not yet approved any particular smart meter for installation in private homes. But that hasn't prevented the energy companies from trying to persuade us to accept their version of unapproved smart meters against our wishes.