The Institute of Directors (IoD) has strongly condemned Downing Street‘s smart meter program, claiming it could be an "IT disaster".
The organisation called for the scheme to be scaled back or abandoned altogether, after a study from software quality specialist SQS revealed that consumers are confused with the planned smart meter roll out and have a lack of confidence when it comes to the project succeeding.
The research concluded that 62% of respondents did not believe that smart metering will happen in the shifting timeframes.
The success of smart meter implementation was also questioned by 27% of consumers who think their energy supplier’s track record of inaccurate billing, poor customer service and delays in problem fixing will work against the government.
37% of those surveyed were convinced that the new technology will benefit energy suppliers the most, with 56% agreeing that the draw of additional customer data is the real reason for the change.
Moreover, 41% recognised that new suppliers who are eager to prove themselves and are not held back by old technologies could provide a better service
Over half of respondents (52%) would welcome services, tariffs and offers that reflect how they actually use energy as well as improved, personalised customer support defended by 22%.
Furthermore, 30% expressed concerns with hacking and cybercrime against new smart meter technology set to enter all homes.
Angus Panton, Director of Power and Communications at SQS, said: "The smart meter roll out is a wake-up call for established energy providers. Our study shows that consumers want targeted, value-added services and greater control over their energy use, but do not always trust their existing provider to deliver.
"There is widespread cynicism about the viability of big IT projects and 62 per cent doubt smart metering will happen in the shifting timeframes. Despite the cynicism, there is an overall customer desire for the advantages and benefits smart meters will deliver.
"The new smart world will generate large volumes of data and for established suppliers it is vital they have the high performing, integrated infrastructure in place to capture, secure and make the most of the real-time data they generate, all day, every day. Now is the time to test everything, and then test it again – or to turn to the experts who can test it for you. There won’t be a second chance to get this right."
