Smart meters are designed to show in almost real time how much gas and electricity are being used in a household and how much it costs.

If the problem affects both your gas and electricity meters, you’ll get the £40 for each of them, meaning the total amount you’ll receive is £80. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the UK Minister for Energy Consumers, commented: ‘We welcome Ofgem’s proposals to introduce guaranteed standards of performance for smart meters.

Energy companies will be forced to pay £40 in compensation for “dumb” smart meters and delayed installation appointments, under plans announced by the regulator.

Matt Copeland from National Energy Action talks us through the changes.

Ofgem has said energy suppliers must comply with its smart meter rules or have to pay out to households and microbusinesses.

Ofgem has also confirmed proposals which will require energy companies to urgently fix broken devices — and to issue £40 automatic compensation to anyone who waits 90 days or more for a repair. Under the regulator’s plans,