Smart Energy GB has teamed up with broadcaster, Angela Rippon, to help older Brits monitor and understand their energy use at home.

New research reveals 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.

When it comes to energy use at home, keeping track can be tricky without visibility of how much is being used. 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, so you don’t have to.

Being armed with knowledge on energy use helps people to identify simple ways to be more energy efficient, while feeling more on top of their finances.

For broadcaster Angela Rippon, having greater control of her energy use was a key driver in making the switch to smart:

Broadcaster, Angela Rippon says “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. So, I can take control of how and when I use household appliances. I can make small changes around the house that have made me more energy efficient. And this is certainly having an effect on my utility bills. It’s all effortless, and really a win win, for me.”

And the benefits of smart meters are even more striking among those who prepay for their energy.

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.

Many people aren’t aware of the simple solution a smart prepay meter can offer. Smart prepay meters allow households to easily see when they are close to using up credit on the in-home display and can be topped up from home via a landline phone, mobile or online, as well as from a shop.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action campaigns for the prioritisation of replacement of traditional prepayment meters with smart prepayment meters in the smart meter rollout in order for vulnerable households to access their significant benefits.