Orkney's MSP reminds islanders that smart meter rollout is free to households

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has warned energy companies against falsely charging island customers for installing smart meters. It follows a case raised with Mr McArthur by a constituent, quoted nearly £800 by one energy company to cover the cost of labour, ferry travel and accommodation.

Last week, Mr McArthur met Smart Energy GB, a not-for-profit organisation which works alongside the main energy companies to support the rollout of smart meters. Smart Energy GB confirmed that no such charge should apply and the energy company in question has since backed down and agreed to carry out the work for free.

Orkney's MSP has also held discussions with OVO Energy in relation to delays in replacing and installing both legacy and smart meters in the islands. Mr McArthur highlighted the large number of cases that had been raised with his constituency office and discussed with OVO, which has taken over most of the accounts previously held by SSE, ways in which the company might better address the current backlog.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"Smart meters can help households reduce energy costs by allowing usage to be managed and doing away with the need for ‘estimated’ bills. Customers across the UK are being encouraged to sign up to get a smart meter installed and the roll out programme is supposed to be free of charge.

"I am appalled, therefore, to hear of constituents being quoted £800 to cover the cost of labour, travel and accommodation. Smart Energy GB has confirmed to me that this should not be happening and thankfully the energy company in question has since backed down.

"However, I want to make sure that no-one in Orkney is led to believe that they need to pay such charges. I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to get in touch with my office.

"Meantime, I know there continue to be delays in getting any sort of meter installed. It is an issue I have been raising for months with the energy companies, Scottish Ministers and the regulator, Ofgem. Today’s meeting with OVO provided a further opportunity to discuss the concerns as well as ways in which the current backlog might be addressed. I hope this will lead to improvements going forward but again would encourage any constituents who are having difficulties to contact me."