Nearly half (48%) of consumers don’t know what a smart meter is. That’s according to research from Consumer Focus, which has launched an online advice guide to help people understand what the benefits are as the country prepares for a nationwide roll-out.

‘Smart meters’ are digital gas and electricity meters which allow customers to understand and better manage their energy because they make it possible to see where and when energy is used in a building. The new technology can be read by the energy supplier remotely and should bring an end to estimated and inaccurate bills.

The Government plans to have smart meters installed in all UK homes by 2019.

Zoe McLeod, Head of Smart and Sustainable Energy Markets at Consumer Focus said: ‘Many consumers don’t know anything about smart meters despite a nationwide roll-out ahead from 2014. As with any new technology there are potential benefits such as accurate bills and opportunities to help you save money on your energy bills, but also new issues that customers should be aware of.”

As a result, Consumer Focus has launched an online guide with video tutorials to address problems people may face as the nationwide roll-out begins.