Smart electricity and gas meters can give readings ‘SEVEN times higher than they should be’

SMART meters can give readings that are almost seven times higher than the actual gas and electricity consumed, a scientific study shows.

The old-style rotating discs are being replaced by electronic versions — with almost five million now in use in Britain.

Academics have found some smart meters come up with readings that are 582 per cent higher than they should be.

In experiments more than half — five of nine — gave readings that were much bigger than the amount of power used.

The problems were linked to the design of the meters — and how they were unable to accurately measure usage with energy efficient devices and modern switches such as dimmers.

In contrast, two had readings 30 per cent lower, according to the findings.

The meters tested were connected via an electric switchboard to items such as energy saving light bulbs, heaters, LED bulbs and dimmers.

The researchers then compared the actual consumption of the system with the electronic energy meter’s readings.

The greatest inaccuracies were seen when dimmers combined with energy-saving light bulbs and LED bulbs were connected to the system.

The research was carried out by Prof Frank Leferink, of Twente University in The Netherlands.

Smart meters, due to be installed in all homes by 2020, will replace the nation’s existing 26 million electricity and 22 million gas meters.

They will automatically send details of readings to power suppliers — ending the need for home visits.

Energy UK, which represents Britain’s big power firms and is backing the rollout of smart meters, did not respond to a request for comment.