There are now more than 11 million smart and advanced meters operating across homes and businesses in Great Britain, according to new figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The quarterly report to the end of December 2017 shows more than 10 million (91 per cent) have been installed in domestic properties by both large and small energy suppliers and a further one million in smaller non-domestic sites.
This represents a 17 per cent increase in domestic smart meter installations compared to the previous quarter and a 71 per cent increase on the number of meters in operation compared to 31 December 2016.
A spokesperson from BEIS, said: “Smart meters are putting consumers in control of their energy use and helping them to save money, with 82 per cent of those with smart meters having taken at least one step to reduce their energy use.”
A total of 1,317,900 domestic smart meters have been installed by large energy suppliers in the fourth quarter of 2017 (576,300 gas and 741,500 electricity), representing a 12 per cent increase in domestic smart meter installations compared to the previous quarter.
In the same period, a total of 16,800 smart and advanced meters were installed in smaller non-domestic sites by large energy suppliers, of which 10,200 were advanced meters. This is a 7 per cent increase in non-domestic smart and advanced meter installations compared to the previous quarter.
BEIS says small energy suppliers report installing 161,100 domestic smart meters and a further 88,100 smart and advanced meters in 2017.
Responding to the figures, Robert Cheesewright, director of policy and communications at Smart Energy GB, said: “More than 11 million smart meters have now been installed across Great Britain, providing an essential upgrade to an outdated energy system. It’s crucial that this national upgrade happens to ensure consumers are not stuck in the past.”
He added: “Those who have smart meters already are experiencing the benefits, as research shows that around three quarters of people with a smart meter would recommend one to friends, family or neighbours. That’s equivalent to 6.3 million people who would recommend getting one.”