Citizens Advice response to DESNZ’s Policy Framework for Smart Metering Systems Connected to the DCC via the Consumer’s Internet Connection
Citizens Advice welcomes DESNZ’s consultation on the policy framework for smart metering systems connected to the DCC via the consumer’s internet connection. The Virtual Wide Area Network (VWAN) solution represents a potentially beneficial solution for consumers with a broadband internet connection outside of reliable WAN who are eager to benefit from having a working smart meter as soon as possible. However VWAN also comes with significant potential risks for the consumers using it which will need to be addressed.
It will be crucial that consumers are aware of how VWAN works, that it will use and rely upon their home broadband and that they are given a clear and real choice as to whether they use it. While we view the VWAN solution as an appropriate fix for credit customers among the 328,000 households who are outside of the smart meter WAN range, we are aware of energy suppliers and other companies eager to use the technology far more widely. Such approaches cannot become standardised and should not be accepted.
We also support the use of a clear consumer consent model to ensure that consumers are able to choose whether to make use of VWAN and give informed consent if they choose to proceed. Consumers should be made aware of both the risks and benefits rather than receiving simply a sales pitch for the product or it being implied that they have to accept it.