Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment he has made of whether the accessibility online of energy usage and efficiency data means that in-home energy displays are no longer needed.

The Government recognises that online sources of energy usage information can be useful but does not believe that these can substitute for in-home displays in delivering the benefits of smart meters.

In home displays allow consumers and their family members to see immediately their current and historic energy use and its cost in near-real time and do not rely on consumers having internet access or smart phones. Current evidence shows higher energy savings from those with a smart meter and IHD compared to those with a smart meter only.

Energy suppliers are free to offer additional means for their customers to engage with their energy usage, which may be available online and offer different forms of analysis to the IHD. We expect that some consumers will want different information but believe that all should have the information provided by IHDs readily available.

We will continue to monitor the evidence in this area and emerging technical developments to ensure that our policy remains appropriate.