First Utility drop charge to replace meter

Tue, 03/03/2009

Independent energy company, First Utility, has this morning announced that it
will no longer charge customers to replace their electricity and gas meters with its innovative smart
meters. Previously, an installation cost of £49 per meter was charged for electricity only and £99 for gas
and electric.

 

First Utility is the only energy company in the UK to install smart meters as standard to every customer.
Ongoing government consultations suggest a widespread roll-out will not be enforced until around 2010.
But growing customer demand for the updated technology – which leads to 100% accurate bills and up to
15% reduction in energy consumption – has meant that First Utility’s meters are in high demand.

 

The smart meters take automated readings of energy consumption at half-hourly intervals throughout the
day and send the meter readings wirelessly to first:utility’s Warwick-based HQ, where accurate bills can
be generated – no more estimated readings and no more surprise ‘reconciliation’ bills.

 

First Utility has exactly the same license as the ‘Big Six’ energy players in the UK and aims to challenge
the poor service and outdated metering technology that It feels has become the status quo in the UK
energy market. First:utility aims to bring its experience in the telecoms industry to modernise the way bills
are produced and improve customer service.

 

For briefings / further information, please call Rachel Brewin, Sian Gaskell or Abbie Strudley on
01865 882988.

– Ends –

 

Notes to Editors

 

About First Utility

 

First Utility is the smarter independent utilities supplier, offering electricity, gas, phone and broadband
services to a range of consumer and business customers.

 

It is the only energy provider to provide smart meters to all its customers, and therefore the only utility
company to ensure 100% accurate billing across all its services. It is through the use of smart metering
technology that first:utility can empower consumers to manage their own energy consumption and bills.
www.first-utility.com