Smart meter scandal: ‘devices in North more likely to have issues’

Shocking investigation reveals a two-tier system where smart meters in the South are backed by more reliable technology.

Smart meters users are more likely to suffer issues with their device if they live in Scotland and northern England because they make use of older technology, it’s been revealed.

Devices fitted in Wales, the Midlands and Southern England make use of mobile phone networks to send data back to energy suppliers.

However, those further North make use of older radio waves instead, which are less reliable and mean devices are more prone to issues.

This could mean users needing to send manual readings instead or having to rely on estimated bills.

The remarkable two-tier system was highlighted in a new BBC Panorama investigation into smart meters, which has finally explained why smart meter issues are more prevalent in certain areas.

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‘There are issues in the North’

Rather than employ the same technology across the entire UK grid, the BBC investigation revealed it was felt radio technology would be ‘able to travel far across the hills and mountains, reaching more rural communities more easily’.

The key issue with radio technology is that there’s no easy way to boost the signal in areas where it is weak, unlike with mobile technology.

The boss of Energy UK admitted to the BBC that there “are issues in the North” and added the organisation was looking at ways to increase the network range in Northern England and Scotland.

Latest in a long line of scandals

The revelation of a two-tier system is merely the latest scandal to blight the roll out of smart meters across the UK.

From installing millions of meters that stopped working when customers switched energy suppliers to the fact that households could be overcharged up to £50 due to inaccurate meters, the ongoing issues have made the devices unpopular with many people.

And this is before you consider the extortionate costs, with energy customers having to shell out more than £13 billion so far to pay for their roll out.

Small wonder then, that a 2023 survey from price comparison site GoCompare found that almost a third of its customers disliked the devices.

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