Wishart warns against charges for smart meter installations

Following reports of some suppliers attempting to charge for smart meter installations in Orkney, Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland, has emphasised that there should be no upfront costs for customers, including businesses, to have an RTS meter replaced ahead of the shutdown on 30 June. 

Any constituents being quoted charges for installation costs, including travel and accommodation costs, should get in touch with the Shetland Parliamentary Office or Trading Standards at Shetland Islands Council. 

Commenting, Ms Wishart said: 

“I am concerned of reports that some energy suppliers are attempting to charge customers to have RTS meters replaced with smart meters. 

“OFGEM, the energy regulator, has been clear that suppliers have an obligation to ensure customers have a working meter and that there are no upfront costs for customers, who pay for their meters through billing. 

“It is also not the case that customers are required to cover any costs related to travel or accommodation for engineers. 

“I would encourage anyone who is being quoted a charge for installing a smart meter to contact the Shetland Parliamentary Office or Trading Standards at Shetland Islands Council.” 

ENDS 

Note to editors: 

Constituents can get in touch with the Shetland Parliamentary office by emailing beatrice.wishart.msp@parliament.scot or by calling 01595 690044

Trading Standards at Shetland Islands Council can be contacted by emailing trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk or by calling 01595 744887