Television presenter Angela Rippon has joined a campaign to highlight the challenges of energy management for Britain’s over-70s. 

New research revealed Britain’s older generations face continued challenges when it comes to managing their household energy use.

Among those aged 70 and over who pay for their energy by direct debit, more than half (55%) are looking for more help to stay on top of their energy use. 

For those who haven’t yet made the switch, smart meters could be the solution, as six in ten (61%) of those 70+ with one already installed said they wish they had made the switch earlier than they did. 

Ealing Times:   

Smart meters come with a handy display unit which shows households in near-real time how much energy they’re using and what it costs in pounds and pence. They also provide meter readings to your supplier automatically.  

Broadcaster, Angela Rippon, who has teamed up with Smart Energy GB, said: “Like most people I had analogue meters for gas and electricity for years. 

”So, when I was offered one of the new smart meters, and was made aware of the benefits, I saw this as a real advance in so many ways.  

“I no longer have to give meter readings every month, because all the information on my usage goes straight through to my supplier, so no more estimated bills.  

“And most importantly, the in-home display unit tells me exactly how much energy I am using, and what it’s costing.”

With analogue energy meters, it’s harder to keep track of your energy spend and see when prepaid credit is close to running out.  

Research shows almost half (49%) of Brits aged 70 and over with an analogue prepay meter have been caught out and run out of credit before being able to top up. 

This has led to many relying on either ‘friendly’ or emergency credit– features provided by energy suppliers, which let households continue to use electricity even after their meter has run out. 

Over three quarters (77%) of those over 70 with an analogue prepay meter make up to four trips a month to a shop to top up their credit.

Derek Hart, aged 84, from London, has an analogue prepay meter and has previously accidentally run out of credit. This caused worry for his daughter, Sarah (37) as it left her unable to call his landline phone. 

In a new film released by Smart Energy GB, Angela Rippon speaks to Derek and Sarah, alongside Eunice Barth (88), and her close friend, Joy Phillips (61), about some of the challenges and inconvenience they face relying on traditional energy meters. 

Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB said: “It’s important for people of all generations to feel like they have the tools to understand and manage their energy use.”

For further information search ‘Get a smart meter’ or visit https://www.smartenergygb.org/