Millions of Britons are feeling stressed over energy bills, and smart meters are exacerbating the problem, according to a new survey of over 1000 UK households.
The poll by energy comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk found that almost half of people with smart meters, 49%, feel anxious because of them, while over a quarter, 28%, have lost sleep worrying over energy bills.
The survey suggested that thousands of Britons may be visiting their GP due to stress over bills, with 6% of those questioned visiting a healthcare professional with anxiety due to their energy costs.
A quarter of people with smart meters, 25%, confessed to checking them several times every day while a further 13% said they checked at least daily.
Credit: Shutterstock
The majority of homes with smart meters say the devices haven’t helped them reduce their energy use, with 53% saying they made no difference whatsoever.
Yet almost four in ten, 38%, said the devices had helped them reduce their bills, with 30% saying they had made a slight difference and an additional 8% saying they had made significant savings – while 42% said they had stayed at the same level.
Incredibly, one in five households with smart meters, 20%, said they felt the devices increased their energy bills.
Almost half of those polled, 49%, said they felt at least some anxiety as a result of their smart meter with 9% describing the stress as severe. A further 10% said their stress and anxiety was significant.
Just a third of smart meter owners, 33%, said the devices were having a positive impact on their lives with almost as many, 26%, citing a negative impact and 41% saying no impact.
Greg Wilson Founder and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said the survey showed just how much stress people are feeling over the level of their energy bills this winter.
He said: “Our survey shows that having a smart meter can increase anxiety for many people. While these devices can be useful in helping us to monitor our energy use, they can also lead to increased stress by acting as a constant reminder of how much energy we consume.
“It’s both shocking and sad to discover how many people are currently losing sleep, lying awake at night concerned about the cost of their energy bills. What’s more, to find out that as many as 6% have visited their doctor to ask for help with anxiety due to energy costs is alarming.
“If this is representative of the whole country, that number would equate to hundreds of thousands of GP visits which could add to the ever-increasing pressure on the NHS.
“It’s good to remember that customers can speak to their suppliers to discuss their tariff and to see if there is additional help available to manage their bills. There’s also advice and support on housing-related issues from charities such as Shelter, the housing and homeless charity, we’re proud to support them, donating £5,000 of additional funding as a contribution towards their hard work in local communities throughout the UK.”
Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on household bills and essentials including energy comparison, car insurance and niche items such as courier insurance.
To view the full survey results of the Smart meter anxiety study please visit: https://www.quotezone.co.uk/presszone/smart-meter-anxiety-study
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