Smart meters in UK homes could be used for 'snooping', claims campaign group

Close-up shot of a home smart meter on a desk against the sunlit window background
-Credit:Getty


A campaign group has voiced concerns that smart meters could be used to "snoop" on household energy consumption under Government net zero policies. The government is considering proposals that would allow the sharing of household energy usage data with third parties, potentially offering customers access to cheaper and lower carbon energy deals from competing suppliers.

This approach mirrors the open banking system, which enables consumers to find better financial deals, but requires explicit consent for data sharing. Despite the need for consent in the proposed energy scheme, campaigners are warning of "intrusion" and advising bill-payers to be cautious about allowing their data to be shared.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has initiated a consultation on this new smart data initiative, suggesting it could enable businesses to capitalise on the transition to clean electricity. Neil Record, chairman of Net Zero Watch and former Bank of England economist, expressed his reservations to the Telegraph : "Energy companies get a tremendous amount of data from you, and the public should be very wary of increasingly having their household information provided to external agents."

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He also noted that such proposals could lead to an "intrusion" that, once permitted, might divulge extensive information about consumers' home energy use. The Government has requested energy companies to submit their views on a proposed scheme inspired by open banking. Smart meters, which are crucial for achieving net zero targets, allow energy firms to access real-time data on energy use and manage demand.

For instance, these meters enable households to receive rewards for reducing energy use during peak times, thereby decreasing the need for new gas-fired power stations. They also permit energy firms to provide households with free electricity when there is an excess supply of wind power.

The Government aims to install smart meters in three-quarters of households by the end of 2025, at an estimated cost of £13.5bn. However, approximately four million broken devices are currently in homes. Nick Hunn, founder of wireless technology consulting firm WiFore, told the Telegraph : "In many ways, this is what was envisioned at the beginning (of the smart meter rollout) that consumers would have visibility of their energy data so they could make reasoned decisions about their usage and how much they pay."

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A Government spokesman stated: "The call for evidence seeks to understand if a smart data scheme for the energy sector is needed, and if so, how it could ensure consumer protection and support business innovation – delivering customers products and services they want and need."

Customer data would only ever be shared with the customer’s consent and any data sharing would be protected by stringent security and privacy measures. Energy minister Michael Shanks said: "Data and digitalisation will be an essential foundation of our mission to deliver a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030. Reforms will help consumers and businesses to benefit from the new era of clean power."