People to be paid to reduce energy use during peak times to avoid blackouts

[gav]

All of the old 'dumb' smart meters are due to be upgraded remotely by the end of 2022. Ours has recently been done (finally, thank goodness!) and you can check if yours has been done online: https://smartmetercheck.citizensadvice.org.uk/

You would hope all the upgrades are completed before any discount is introduced. Otherwise it'd be very unfair on people who have a smart meter but through not fault of their own can't use it with their current energy supplier.

[macliam]

Not all meters are capable of being upgraded remotely AFAIK..... and if they are, what is the incentive for companies to do the work? As has been pointed out, many otherwise "active" smart meters don't function properly.... and others aren't being installed by certain companies.

You are correct that any discounts applicable to smart meters should not be rolled out whilst some are unable to take advantage of them through no fault of their own...... but that's what happens in today's 80/20 rulebased climate. Not got a smartphone? Tough. Not on facebook? Tough. Not computer savvy? Tough.