Government-backed Smart Energy GB which is listed as a not-for-profit organisation, is campaigning to private renters who share properties the pros for using smart meters.

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Following Smart Energy’s survey of private tenants that shows those sharing with others prime concern is with the spiralling inflation of household bills, 27 per cent  say their main worry is with other housemates usage of energy and of not being able to afford the bills.

Because of the rocketing energy bills 46 per cent of tenants are constantly arguing with housemates since the cost of living crisis began to bite; 25 per cent of arguments between tenants are about wasting energy and 33 per cent are about all bills.

The survey also found that 41 per cent of tenant respondents are frustrated with their housemates who are not interested in cutting bills and saving money.

A campaign statement claims that smart meters are able to help sharing tenants.

“The main advantage is that all smart meters come with an in-home display which shows you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, in near-real time” says the campaign.

“This is perfect for proving to your flatmates exactly how much energy they are using by leaving the lights on, one of the most common (27 per cent) annoyances that renters have with their housemates.

“… With a smart meter, bills are accurate every month, so you’ll know what to expect and you’ll only pay for what you use.”

It continues: “Smart meters can also reduce the need for landlords to support tenants through the moving-in process and reduce disputes with things like final meter readings at the end of a lease, leading to lower costs relating to disputes.

“It is the bill payer’s right to have a smart meter, and we hope that landlords responsible for the energy bill will consider having a smart meter installed or work with their tenants to get them installed by their supplier in their rental properties.”

Part of its statement targeted tenants: “It is a bill payer’s right to have a smart meter installed, if they pay for the gas or electricity in the rented property.

“If the landlord pays the bills, the decision lies with them.

“Smart meters provide automatic billing and greater visibility of energy use through the in-home display. With a smart meter in prepay mode, it is possible to top up in a variety of ways from your own home and know when you are close to using your emergency credit.

“A smart meter installation takes as little as two hours and can be scheduled at a time to suit you.

“Landlords do not need to be present for the installation, but it’s good to let them know a smart meter is being installed, just in case there is a clause in your tenancy agreement.