Not all customers switched on about smart meters, survey finds

ELECTRICITY smart meters were forced upon Victorians years ago — and it seems many consumers are still unsure about them.

ELECTRICITY smartmeters were thrust upon Victorians years ago, but it seems many are still in the dark about what they actually do.

Only two in five consumers have a good understanding of the digital devices, a survey suggests.

Half don’t feel they have the skills or knowledge to get the most out of them.

Victoria’s controversial, government-ordered compulsory rollout of the remotely-read meters cost customers $2.2 billion.

“While there was enthusiasm among engaged smart meter users in Melbourne about what the technology could do for them, education about smart meter usage is clearly still needed,” a research report notes.

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Many consumers are puzzled about what smart meters do, according to research.

Essential polled 1033 Australians on behalf of smart meter manufacturer Landis+Gyr. Smaller focus groups in Melbourne and Sydney were also questioned.

More thought smart meters benefited electricity providers than benefited households.

Victoria’s mandated rollout to households and small businesses started in 2009 and took several years.

In most other states, they are fitted when new or replacement meters are needed, or if customers opt in sooner.

The devices measure how much, and when, electricity is used in near real time.

They allow for tariff options that charge more during peak demand periods and less at off peak, or rewards for easing power use when the grid is stressed.

Detailed energy use information can also be passed on via apps, online, emails and text messages.

Households want more information to understand and control energy use, a survey has found.

Seven in 10 consumers believed companies should give them more information to better understand and manage costs.

Most were interested in faulty appliance alerts; specific appliance energy use; and savings tips based on individual household consumption.

Some firms are moving in this direction. AGL, for example, has launched a service to provide personalised appliance category energy use estimates.

“When people were taken through all the possible uses of smart meters ... their potential to improve the efficient use of energy was well appreciated,” the research found.

The survey follows previous polling that revealed energy companies were less trusted than banks and telcos.

@KarenCollierHS