UK ministers ‘have failed to convince public of smart meter benefits’

The smart meter rollout began in 2011 and its target date for all homes and businesses to have one has been delayed three times. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

The delayed smart energy meter rollout has failed to meet its targets because ministers have not done enough to convince households of their benefits, according to the public accounts committee (PAC).

The government watchdog called on ministers to set out how they plan to convince the public to take up a smart meter after a “troubled” rollout that began in 2011.