BRITISH Gas has apologised after customers were mistakenly sent messages that suggested they had to install smart meters at their homes.
Households of collapsed suppliers taken over by the energy giant have claimed they were told installing a smart meter is a condition of their new contract.
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British Gas has supported millions of households during the energy market crisis by taking over the gas and electricity supply when their provider failed.
More than 30 smaller energy suppliers have collapsed since the middle of last year amid soaring gas prices.
Energy regulator Ofgem appoints a supplier of last resort to keep the supply going.
British Gas has taken over the supplies of eight failed providers including People’s Energy, Zebra Power and Together Energy.
But some customers were this week told they must have a smart meter installed at their property on their new tariff with British Gas.
The email to customers, seen by The Sun, said: “You are on one of our energy plans that needs smart meters, it was part of the agreement when you signed up.”
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“We’ve noticed you’ve still not upgraded yours. Installation is free and our smart energy experts are upgrading meters in homes near you, so book yours today.
“If you’ve decided you don’t want a smart meter, contact us and we’ll talk to you about our other energy plans.”
Customers responded angrily on social media.
One Twitter user said: “I got an email from British Gas yesterday asking me to contact them regarding installation of a smart meter as the tariff I am on, which I allegedly signed up to, was conditional on having a smart meter.
“I signed up to nothing, I was transferred to them when People’s Energy went bust.”
British Gas said in a statement to The Sun that the messages were sent in error.
A statement said: “As a responsible business we’ve stepped in to help hundreds of thousands of customers who have found themselves without a supplier through Ofgem’s supplier of last resort process.
“We’re aware that some of our new customers will have received these emails in error and we’ll be in touch with them shortly to apologise.”
Do you have to accept a smart meter installation?
A smart meter can save you money as it makes it easier to keep track of how much energy you are using and what it costs.
Previously, the Government had pledged to install meters in ALL homes but it later changed the rules to make the scheme optional for householders.
It was aiming to offer smart meters to all Brits by 2020, but it has fallen behind on the rollout.
Households have complained about incorrect readings and smart meters not reading, while older models may stop working when you switch to a new supplier.
Energy companies are offering to install smart meters in customer’s homes and you can contact your supplier if you want one.
You won’t have to pay to have a smart meter installed.
If you’re offered on, you don’t have to accept it, Citizens Advice says.
But this could make some energy tariffs unavailable to you, as they are just for smart meter users.
The government has announced the every single household will get a £200 discount on their energy bill this year.
This is part of a package of support designed to help Brits struggling as costs rise and will be applied automatically, but not until October.
The money does have to be paid back, but it will be in the form of £40 added to annual bills over five years from next year.
See MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis’ tips on whether you should fix your energy bills now.
Next month marks the start of the new tax year, and as bills are set to rise, so are benefits – by 3.1%.
Also ending this month is the Household Support Fund – have you applied yet?
If you’re worrying about bills due to the cost of living crisis, The Sun’s Squeeze Team are on hand to give you advice.
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