Quick Take: A new study commissioned by the UK's Department of Energy and Climate Change reveals that nearly half of all Britons know what a smart meter is. That compares to about one-third or less according to most studies in North America. But that doesn't mean everything is rosy. One out of five people oppose smart meters, the survey revealed, and only one in three is supportive. - By Jesse Berst

While more consumers were supportive than opposed to the advanced metering technology, almost half of them were undecided.

The survey showed that the ability to better manage money and energy use, avoid waste and get more accurate bills were the biggest perceived benefits among consumers, while the biggest negatives were cost (to themselves, taxpayers, utilities or the government) and information security issues.

Also, the survey found that consumers who said they had smart meters felt the installation and their experience with them were positive, while a relatively small number (8%) were unhappy with their experience.

While the survey covered just about every conceivable consumer demographic (older/younger, homeowners/renters, those who had smart meters/those who did not), the overall message seems to be that the more consumers know, the more likely they are to be supportive. But it's not necessarily overwhelming support.

1

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com, the industry's oldest and largest smart grid site. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the U.S. and abroad, he also serves on advisory committees for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Institute for Electric Efficiency. He often provides strategic consulting to large corporations and venture-backed startups. He is a member of the advisory boards of GridGlo and Calico Energy Services.

1

You might also be interested in ...

Smart Grid Consumer Survey

Good news for a change! Oklahomans happy with smart meters