Npower Accepts Which? Smart Meter Challenge

The first of the “Big Six” energy firms to sign up to the Which? smart meter challenge, npower has pledged to a “no selling, just installing” policy when it comes to installing the technology.

Launched in July, Which? has set down a challenge to energy providers, which will see their installers promising to forgo using any sales tactics when fitting smart meters in customers’ homes. By saying ‘no’ to implementing sales pitches, it means energy suppliers will not take advantage of customers, and use the situation to try and sell extra services and products.

Smaller energy companies were quick to sign up to the promise, and now npower has set down the gauntlet to the remaining “Big Six” by becoming the first major energy supplier to add its support and get on board.

Urging the rest of the major energy providers to “do the right thing” and sign up, Richard Lloyd, executive director at Which? said:

“We’re pleased that npower is acting in the best interests of its customers by signing up to our promise of ‘no selling, just installing’.

“As consumers are expected to foot the bill for the smart meter roll out, it’s crucial that energy companies focus on installing them safely and efficiently, and not on the hard sell,” he added.

Commenting on the smart meter promise, Group Chief Executive Officer at RWE npower, Volker Beckers said building a trusted partnership with customers was vital, particularly when it came to achieving a successful smart metering programme. Mr Beckers added that the Which? challenge “is a great way of displaying our commitment, sending a clear signal that we’re focused on delivering a quick, efficient and safe smart meter installation to customers.”

Thanks to rising electricity and central heating costs, consumers are becoming more and more open to energy saving measures. With the potential to help save money, by 2020, smart meters will be installed in every home across the UK – which will see energy firms rolling out some 53 million smart meters.

To date npower, Co-operative Energy, Good Energy, First Utility, Ecotricity, Ovo, Utility Warehouse and Spark Energy have all agreed to take up the Which? smart meter challenge.