Latest news with #smartmeters
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Labour plots to force households to have two smart meters
Britain's smart meter rollout promised to help households save money – and energy. In reality, the high-tech gadgets have been a disaster, leaving thousands of households with inaccurate energy bills at a huge cost to the taxpayer. And yet, Labour could soon force homeowners to have two smart meters – one for energy and one for water. The move forms part of the Government's proposed 'family bath time tax' which would force owners of larger properties and gardens to pay more for their water bills. However, experts have warned that forcing homes to have a smart meter would overcomplicate bills, undermine customers' privacy and allow cyber attacks to cut off the nation's water supply. Nick Hunn, founder of the wireless technology consulting firm, WiFore, told The Telegraph: 'We were told that the big benefit for smart meters would be lower bills. We can see by number of complaints that this didn't happen. 'We would see the same thing with smart water meters – moving from a system that's quite simple to one that is needlessly complicated and more likely to go wrong.' At the weekend, The Telegraph revealed that ministers will support utilities companies trialling new tariffs that charge the heaviest users of water a higher rate. Introducing 'progressive' water bills would mean rolling out smart water meters nationwide so that customers' consumption can be tracked in real time or at short intervals. Around 60pc of homes in England have a water meter, but the vast majority of those have a conventional meter from which periodic readings are taken. The plan has raised alarm bells among experts, especially as British households continue to pay the price for the botched smart meter rollout for energy bills. The initial target was to have a smart meter installed in every home by 2020. This has now been reduced to 74.5pc by the end of 2025, with the devices currently installed in just 68pc of homes. It is forecast to cost over £13.5bn, but a significant minority of homes are unsuitable for smart meters, which rely on having adequate reception. An estimated 4.3 million smart meters are faulty and unable to send readings back to suppliers remotely, leading to customers being sent sky-high bills that do not reflect their usage. The National Audit Office said in 2023 that 37pc of smart meter customers surveyed by Smart Energy GB, the company tasked with rolling out the devices nationally, reported having issues with their smart meter, including no automatic readings, inaccurate bills and the connected handheld device not showing any information. Smart meters have also found themselves at the centre of a row over privacy. In January, the Government launched a consultation on plans to allow household energy usage to be shared with third parties who could steer them to cheaper deals, as well as lower carbon tariffs from rival suppliers. A spokesman for Open Rights Group, a digital rights campaign group, said a mass smart water meter rollout posed similar risks for consumers, adding: 'Smart water meters could be used to track how many people are in a property, analyse daily routines, and reveal when you cook, shower or water your garden. 'This is a clear example of how everyday infrastructure can quietly become a surveillance tool – without public awareness or consent.' Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow housing secretary, said Labour had been 'caught red-handed' planning a new tax on water usage with the help of 'Big Brother technology'. Concerns have also been raised over consumer protection. Electricity companies are able to switch off your electricity remotely if you have a smart meter, but only under a very narrow set of circumstances and after taking all reasonable steps to manage debt repayment. Any customers deemed vulnerable cannot be disconnected. However, The Telegraph previously revealed how some energy suppliers are forcibly installing prepayment meters remotely by switching customers' smart meters from credit to prepayment mode. Campaigners have said that doing this amounts to disconnecting customers from the grid 'by the back door', as anyone unable to pay on a prepayment meter will lose power. Even if similarly strict regulations are put in place to stop water companies turning off the taps, digitally connecting the water system raises the threat of a widespread cyber attack, Mr Hunn said. He added: 'Electricity companies can disconnect you through a smart meter. If that logic goes into water then you have a situation where the company would be able to turn off your water. 'If someone hacks into that system, they can turn off large chunks of the country's water supply.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
There's nothing progressive about a ‘bath tax'
We will be lectured that it is fairer, better for the environment, and, of course, 'more progressive'. Labour ministers are supporting plans by the water industry to extend metered supply. In effect, very soon you could be forced to pay more for the amount of water you use. The trouble is, there is nothing 'progressive' about that. All it will do is create pockets of 'water poverty', reward the water companies for not repairing the pipes, further punish those who choose to have a bigger family, and, like smart meters, introduce an unworkable technology. We should scrap it before it even starts. The days when you could run a bath, run the washing machine, or water the garden, without worrying about how much water you are using could soon be in the past. The more water you use, the higher the tariff you will have to pay. Very soon, we may have smart meters in the corner of the kitchen, as most of us already do for electricity, gently nagging us not to fill the kettle too much, or ticking us off for running the dishwasher before it is completely full. Every litre will be a guilt trip. We will be told that the bath tax is more 'progressive', with those with the 'broadest shoulders', or simply people who like to stay clean, contributing more to the maintenance of the water network. The trouble is, that is ridiculous. There is nothing 'progressive' about charging for water – a utility we ought to have in abundant supply. It won't just target people who have swimming pools or larger families, but those who live in the countryside where gardens are bigger, or grow their own vegetables, or just happen to like long relaxing baths. It is completely random. Complaints about 'water poverty' are inevitable, and demands for a complex system of rebates and benefits to compensate for the charges. The whole system will add yet another layer of complexity to a government system that is already breaking down. Next, it rewards the water companies for failure. One of the major problems with the system is the amount of water that is lost through leaking pipes (up to 50 per cent on some estimates). Why bother repairing the network, and maintaining it properly, when you can simply whack up the charges for using more water, even if much of it has leaked before getting to you? A fixed rate per property rewards the companies for looking after the network. Metered changes risks rewarding them for negligence. Finally, does anyone really believe that the meters will function properly? We already know that the roll-out of 'smart meters' for electricity has been a fiasco, with ruinous bills imposed when these devices go wrong, and then huge fines if you don't pay on time. Water is harder to meter than electricity. It will be even worse. There is no shortage of water in the UK (in case anyone hadn't noticed, it rains quite often). The real problem is we have not built a new reservoir since 1992, while adding millions of people through mass immigration. Yet another tax won't fix that. It will just be one more huge charge that people who are already struggling with the cost of living will have to pay – and they won't even be able to afford a relaxing bath to calm down after opening the bill. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
There's nothing progressive about a ‘bath tax'
We will be lectured that it is fairer, better for the environment, and, of course, 'more progressive'. Labour ministers are supporting plans by the water industry to extend metered supply. In effect, very soon you could be forced to pay more for the amount of water you use. The trouble is, there is nothing 'progressive' about that. All it will do is create pockets of 'water poverty', reward the water companies for not repairing the pipes, further punish those who choose to have a bigger family, and, like smart meters, introduce an unworkable technology. We should scrap it before it even starts. The days when you could run a bath, run the washing machine, or water the garden, without worrying about how much water you are using could soon be in the past. The more water you use, the higher the tariff you will have to pay. Very soon, we may have smart meters in the corner of the kitchen, as most of us already do for electricity, gently nagging us not to fill the kettle too much, or ticking us off for running the dishwasher before it is completely full. Every litre will be a guilt trip. We will be told that the bath tax is more 'progressive', with those with the 'broadest shoulders', or simply people who like to stay clean, contributing more to the maintenance of the water network. The trouble is, that is ridiculous. There is nothing 'progressive' about charging for water – a utility we ought to have in abundant supply. It won't just target people who have swimming pools or larger families, but those who live in the countryside where gardens are bigger, or grow their own vegetables, or just happen to like long relaxing baths. It is completely random. Complaints about 'water poverty' are inevitable, and demands for a complex system of rebates and benefits to compensate for the charges. The whole system will add yet another layer of complexity to a government system that is already breaking down. Next, it rewards the water companies for failure. One of the major problems with the system is the amount of water that is lost through leaking pipes (up to 50 per cent on some estimates). Why bother repairing the network, and maintaining it properly, when you can simply whack up the charges for using more water, even if much of it has leaked before getting to you? A fixed rate per property rewards the companies for looking after the network. Metered changes risks rewarding them for negligence. Finally, does anyone really believe that the meters will function properly? We already know that the roll-out of 'smart meters' for electricity has been a fiasco, with ruinous bills imposed when these devices go wrong, and then huge fines if you don't pay on time. Water is harder to meter than electricity. It will be even worse. There is no shortage of water in the UK (in case anyone hadn't noticed, it rains quite often). The real problem is we have not built a new reservoir since 1992, while adding millions of people through mass immigration. Yet another tax won't fix that. It will just be one more huge charge that people who are already struggling with the cost of living will have to pay – and they won't even be able to afford a relaxing bath to calm down after opening the bill.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Nama initiatives, installment plans for some consumers
Muscat: The Nama Group Electricity Companies announced several new facilities for consumers, including the "Yusr" Service that offers installment plans for those facing difficulties. 12-month monthly payment plan, top-up in times of need via the Nama app, and fixed payment amount in summer or winter. The companies have 1.35 million subscribers across the Sultanate of Oman (excluding Dhofar Governorate), while the project of smart meter installations has achieved a 75 percent target. The projects to be launched include the electronic transaction tracking system, AC Maintenance (Phase 1), smart electrical load management, and daily consumption display via mobile app. automatic top-up of prepaid meters. In Dhofar, more than 84% of electricity meters have been replaced with smart meters. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Nama announces $2.6bln transition to renewable energy, smart grid
Muscat – Oman's electricity sector is undergoing a major transformation with Nama Group announcing renewable energy projects and digital upgrades aimed at reducing emissions, improving efficiency and enhancing grid reliability. At its annual media briefing on Tuesday, senior officials announced that over RO1bn will be invested in expanding clean energy and digitalising the network, including a nationwide rollout of smart meters and upgrades to power transmission systems. Said bin Khalaf al Abri, General Manager of Planning and Project Development at Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, said two solar projects – Ibri 3 (500MW) and Al Kamil (280MW) – have been tendered and are expected to be awarded this year. He added that the prequalification process for five wind projects has been completed. Proposals have already been invited for two, with all five scheduled to be awarded in 2025. 'Our goal is to raise the share of contracted renewable capacity to 30% of total contracted electricity by 2030,' he said. Sultan al Rawahi, General Manager of Load Dispatch Centre at Oman Electricity Transmission Company, said the country has built 116 power stations, including 17 high-voltage stations operating at 400kV. 'The network now operates at 99.9% reliability, meeting global benchmarks,' he said. Rawahi said more than 75% of conventional meters have been replaced with smart ones, with full conversion targeted by end-2025. 'This shift has helped reduce electricity loss to less than 8% for the first time in our history,' he said. Salem bin Saeed al Kamyani, CEO of Nama Electricity Distribution Company, informed that a mobile app now allows customers to monitor usage, receive top-ups and manage electric loads. 'This is part of our ongoing push to make electricity management more efficient and accessible,' he said. In the water sector, Ali bin Issa Shamas, CEO of Nama Dhofar Services, said over 22mn m3 of treated water is produced annually. He added that RO137mn worth of infrastructure tenders have been awarded, including plans to raise sewage coverage in Salalah from 76% to 95% before the end of 2025. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
