Policy & Research

Smart meters

Key issues

Our policy positions and approach are informed by: primary and secondary research; our monitoring of complaints and calls to front-line advisers; GB and international smart metering pilots and experiences; investigations into supplier practices using our statutory powers and our wider work and experience in the energy retail market. For more information or to get in touch contact Zoe McLeod.

Consumer protections
Consumer Focus comments on v.0. 18 of Smart Meter Installation code of practice (PDF 1.1MB)
Smart tariffs – balancing innovation and complexity (PDF 654KB)
Consumer Focus response to Smart Metering Implementation Programme Consumer Protections (PDF 1.3MB)
Code of Practice 2010 (PDF 405KB)
Consumer Focus response to the Spring Package: Addressing consumer protection issues (PDF 540KB)
Smart meter rollout where are we now, September 2011 (PDF 465KB)

Data access and use – privacy and security
On the record – Energy suppliers and credit reference information (PDF 553KB)
Data privacy and security – consumer concerns and requirements October 2011 (PDF 511KB)
Consumer Focus response to Smart Metering Implementation Programme Data Privacy and Security (PDF 976KB)
Privacy GB experience – privacy and gaining consumers trust (PDF 233KB)
Consumer Focus NO2ID Privacy International OII response to data storage within the meter (PDF 503KB)
Private Lives (PDF 567KB): a people’s inquiry into personal information. 2010. Peter Bradwell. Demos.

Consumer Focus has also carried out a statutory information request to energy suppliers. This information is confidential but will be available to DECC, Ofgem and the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Demand response
Demand response – a consumer perspective (PDF 656KB)

Ensuring successful rollout
Code of Practice 2010 (PDF 405KB)
Consumer Focus response to Smart Metering Implementation Programme Rollout strategy (PDF 1.4MB)
Consumer Focus response to Smart Metering Implementation Programme Implementation Strategy (PDF 940KB)
Ensuring a successful smart meter roll-out – a consumer perspective (PDF 458KB)
Consumer Focus response to Smart Metering Implementation Programme Consumer Protections (PDF 1.3MB)

In Home Displays (IHDs)
In Home Displays – meeting the needs of consumers October 2011 (PDF 783KB)
Getting to grips with smart displays (PDF 938KB)
Getting to grips with smart displays – research review (PDF 1.1MB)
Consumer Focus response to Smart Metering Implementation Programme In-home display (PDF 1.1MB)
Comments on providing an accurate and up-to-date account balance via the IHD (FPAG Consumer Focus AGE UK Sustainability First) (PDF 595KB)

Low income and vulnerable consumers
Is there a case for an Extra Help Scheme (PDF 247KB)
Smart meters – will they benefit the fuel poor – NEA conference (PDF 237KB)
NEA Fuel Poverty Forum June 09 (PDF 247KB)