Ofgem issued an open letter on Tuesday 15 May, setting out a range of recommendations for suppliers’ smart meter rollout plans. It said suppliers should work to ensure that prepayment customers and those with restricted meters or a lack of Home Area Network coverage can receive smart meters, and that they should also consider appropriate re-contact strategies for those customers who have previously refused a meter. Additionally, suppliers were reminded of their obligations relating to the consumer experience, such as the requirement to provide tailored energy efficiency advice. The regulator also encouraged larger suppliers to seek early agreement if they wish to submit revised rollout plans next January, noting that learnings from consumer engagement activities and the SMETS2 transition may shape any submissions. Some suppliers have also recently reported that their installation partners are not willing to commit resources in light of their current levels of installation activity.
