The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero plans "tough new obligations" for energy suppliers to boost the long-delayed and heavily over-budget UK rollout of smart meters, while promising better support for those who have already received such a device.

"Millions of consumers rely on their smart meter every day for accurate billing, cheaper tariffs, automatic meter readings and real-time data to help keep track of spending," Charlotte Friel, director of retail pricing and systems at energy watchdog Ofgem, claimed in pre-prepared statement.

"But we know many customers that want a smart meter wait too long to get one installed or face delays on repairs when it stops working - this needs to change.

"We're working closely with suppliers to drive improvement, and have seen more than 600

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