The smart meter revolution set targets to put a device in every home by 2020, but now the government has drastically reduced those targets, letting homeowners opt out and return to their old fashioned manual meters if they desire.

Since being introduced in 2009 the smart meters have been plagued with problems and now, according to current research, one in five people don’t want them.

So, should you get one? Here are the things you need to consider:

Switching Providers

Some “first generation” smart meters fitted in households are currently incompatible with new national communications networks. This can cause your once smart meter to ‘go dumb’, meaning it will be no better than an old-fashioned meters, which users will have to read themselves.

Estimated Bills

Most homeowners chose the smart meter to gain more control over their bills but have claimed that they have been a disappointment. Most energy providers still encourage customers to pay via annual payment plans, where their usage is estimated in advance and split into 12 payments. This can lead users to accrue hundreds of pounds of credit on their accounts.

Poor Signal

If your area has poor mobile signal, then there’s a chance your smart meter wont work either. If you lack good reception, then your smart meter will revert to “dumb mode” and send estimated readings to your provider.

Display Units

Many users have complained that their “smart interface” on their meter is difficult to understand. Companies are currently trying to develop mobile apps for smart readers which will be easier to understand.

No Evidence That They Save You Money

Smart Readers were developed to help people stop overspending on their energy bills and bring down people’s energy use. However, there is no real evidence to suggest that smart meters have done, or can do, either of these things.

Let us know if you feel as though a smart meter, alongside burning house coal and firewood, has made a positive effect on your household bills.