More people think smart meters will benefit suppliers than think they will help themselves, suggests a recent poll.

The study of UK consumers by YouGov found more than a third (37%) is convinced smart metering will benefit energy suppliers the most, while just 28% thinks it will benefit the consumer.

One in three (27%) think their supplier’s poor track record on billing, customer service and delays in problem fixing aren’t a good omen for the smart meter rollout’s success.

New suppliers are seen in a better light though, with 41% of respondents agreeing new suppliers keen to prove their worth which are not held back by old technologies could provide a better service.

Angus Panton, Director of Power and Communications at software testing firm SQS which commissioned the poll said: “There is widespread cynicism about the viability of big IT projects and 62% doubt smart metering will happen in the shifting timeframes.”

It’s not all doom and gloom though: “Despite the cynicism, there is an overall customer desire for the advantages and benefits smart meters will deliver.”

There is a glimmer of optimism, with half (52%) ready to welcome services, tariffs and offers related to how they actually use energy.

A similar amount of people are keen on accurate billing they can trust (48%) and a clear understanding of what uses up most and least energy (44%).

The online survey of 2,058 adults was carried out on two days in November 2014.