Energy UK, the trade association for the GB energy industry, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and geo, a leading energy technology business, have announced that energy consumers with a range of additional needs can now request an ‘Accessible In-Home Energy Display’ as part of their smart metering installation from a number of leading energy suppliers.
The geo Accessible In-Home Display addresses an industry-wide need to ensure that information provided through in-home displays is accessible to everyone, allowing all customers to take full advantage of the information that smart meters can provide.
Energy suppliers who are or will soon offer the Accessible In-Home Display to customers include; Bristol Energy, EDF Energy, E.ON Energy, npower, Octopus Energy, Pure Planet, Shell Energy and Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE). Eligible customers should contact their energy supplier to find out more.
The Accessible Display was awarded RNIB Tried and Tested Certification in April 2019 and combines several innovative features including verbalising the information displayed on the screen, tactile buttons and three separate LEDs which clearly indicate current electricity consumption. Added to this are high-contrast colour schemes and a large typeface. The device can work with both the first and second generation (SMETS1 and SMETS2) standards which enables eligible consumers with all types of smart meter to receive an Accessible In-Home Display.
Audrey Gallacher, Director of Policy, Energy UK, said “The launch of this display follows extensive collaborative development with geo and RNIB and I am delighted that the sector is embracing this industry-led initiative and meeting the needs of customers who want smart meters and a better understanding and control of their energy use.”
John Worsfold, RNIB Implementation Manager, said: “We are delighted that this initiative has resulted in suppliers being able to support blind and partially sighted customers to experience the benefits that smart meters can offer.”
Robert Cheesewright, director of Corporate Affairs at Smart Energy GB, said: “Smart meters allow people to keep better track of their energy use and costs and to take advantage of new, money saving tariffs. I’m delighted that so many more blind and partially sighted people will be able to make the most of these benefits.”
Click here for more information on the geo Accessible In-Home Display.
