SMART meters are sneakily being used by energy companies as “debt control”, according to an energy expert.
These devices have been installed in thousands of homes across the Dumfries and Galloway, with householders sold on the idea that they will be more in control of their energy use.
However, there have been many reports of smart meters giving inaccurate readings and customers ending up confused around their bills and with additional debt.
Paul Clark, from the Lemon Aid Fuel Poverty project, insisted that smart meters are actually giving more power to energy supply companies – and allowing them to access a legal loophole.
He said: “We have an opinion on smart meters. For us, suppliers are effectively using them as debt control.
“They’re installing smart meters in credit meter mode – but without the need for a warrant.
“This was the difference between a dry meter and pre-payment. You had to apply for a warrant to put a pre-payment meter in.
“Without the need for a warrant with smart meters, suppliers can then flip a switch to pay-as-you-go mode for smart meters (limiting usage).
“So, we see suppliers as using them as debt control, which is not what they were intended for.”
At the council’s tackling poverty, inequalities, and housing sub committee last week, Mr Clark gave an in-depth presentation on how energy companies are operating.
He shared sobering stats around how thousands of people are being plunged into fuel poverty across Dumfries and Galloway and beyond, while energy companies make huge profits at their expense.
The Lemon Aid Fuel Poverty project, which is a subsidiary company of Citrus Energy and Cunninghame Housing Association, along with the council’s social welfare teams are left to pick up the pieces, he said.
They support thousands of people year after year who cannot afford to heat their homes, rack up huge debts, and desperately seek emergency crisis loans and fuel vouchers.
Abbey Councillor Kim Lowe said asked Mr Clark: “I’m aware of a number of people where metering has been incorrect. So they’ve been fitted with smart meters, but they’re not necessarily working.
“Or they’re aware that the input of data is well behind – and yet they’re still getting chased (for money).
“I have one case of £8000 debt, and they’re paying what they think they should be paying but it’s actually really stressful for people.
“It’s a serious problem. How much support can you give to these people?”
Paul Clark responded: “That fundamentally is our day to day – customers who come our way in that same type of situation.
“As councillors, yes you can directly refer to us. We have an inbox per area and we try to prioritise based on what the referral form says. So, I’ll provide those electronic referral forms.”
