Said no to a smart meter? Prepare for a deluge of junk mail after energy firms are given the green light to pester you

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Said no to a smart meter? Prepare for a deluge of junk mail after energy firms are given the green light to pester you
Andrew Cheetham
1 day ago
UK News Technology

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'Homeowners who have refused to have a smart energy meter installed face being bombarded with junk mail after power suppliers were given the green light to target customers who have previously said 'no' to an upgrade.

Smart meters show exactly how much energy you are using minute-by-minute in pounds and pence and send this data automatically to your supplier.

But customers are allowed to refuse to have one, and many have told Money Mail that they have legitimate concerns about safety, their privacy being eroded and energy firms gaining remote control over their gas and electricity supply.

In a letter to suppliers yesterday, the energy watchdog said it expected firms to 'ramp up' the number of meters they install over the next three years and told them to take 'all reasonable steps' to get devices in every home by the end of 2020.

Crucially, this will include 're-contacting' customers who have declined a meter, says Ofgem.

The six-page letter said suppliers should work out exactly what each customer is concerned about and why they previously rejected a smart meter. These 'motivations' should then be taken into account as firms try to persuade more people to sign up.

For example, if someone refuses a smart meter because they're worried their privacy will be eroded, or that criminals may get hold of their data, they could receive a letter explaining the devices will not store their name, bank details or other personal data.

Equally, if a customer tells a call centre operative that they are worried about smart meters causing fires or gas explosions, they may receive safety information.'

Read more: Said no to a smart meter? Prepare for a deluge of junk mail after energy firms are given the green light to pester you

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https://www.davidicke.com/article/475267/said-no-smart-meter-prepar...