Gillian Guy

The government has. to the rear of the deadline for the smart-energy-meter-rollout postponed by four years until 2024

Previously, suppliers' deadline was the end of 2020, but energy companies had warned that the technology was not yet ready.

But the additional time could be more years of frustration for customers, many of whom are tired of lead, with the new meters that you have received.

It also means that the cost for the Installation of the new equipment is likely to rise further, to More Than £13 billion in total.

clients are not required to be in a smart meter fitted, but energy is the company you need to bot all UK households by the end of the new deadline.

The Promise of the smart Meter, the readings would be the automatic billing would be easier, and a New World of flexible fees ushered in.

In practice, millions of people found that they had new meters that do not work properly, if you are not turned on, suppliers and millions more have the technology.

Gillian Guy , chief executive of Citizens Advice thinks the extension of the smart meter rollout period is to move a "common-sense "" that is good for the customer.

"This new appointment gives the supplier time to resolve ongoing technical problems and ensure that Customer Service is pushed to the background, as the rollout continues," She Said .

"We have seen, some of the energy companies, the most aggressive techniques to try to convince people, smart meters have been fitted, as soon as possible, the existing timeline. "

It was a pledge in the party, the Conservative 2017 election program that every household and company will be offered a smart meter by the end of 2020 - and it is still that expectation.

The government insists that its requirements are complied with and that the new regime outlined on Monday a let-off for the supplier.

The energy regulator, Ofgem, had the rule that the energy companies had "reasonable steps" to fit meters, the room fidgeting a lot to you.

The Minister for Climate Change , Lord Duncan of Springbank, said: "We will stay the course for which the provider is a smart meter in every home by the end of next year, but to maintain momentum beyond the year 2020, we propose strict annual installation targets for the suppliers of 2021. This can supply you to reduce even greater benefits for households, and emissions. "

But it is clear that gas and electricity companies have recognised Minister, reality and allow you an extension. The new framework will allow you, until the end of 2024 for the Installation of smart meters in at least 85% of the customer's home.

Was. com head of regulation, Richard Neudegg said that the public's confidence in the smart meter program has been "severely damaged".

"This is now an opportunity to re-build trust. In particular, the people want proof that The Solution , said the allows older smart meters to the smart stay, if a household switches supplier's finally available," he said.

Source of news: bbc.com