This north/south divide - I wonder if there are accuracy failings in those issues for the North, certainly reception can be difficult in some areas ...
The so-called smart meter has many advantages for both user & supplier, in my opinion. It is also problematical in a number of ways. Much emphasis is made in advertising them for their "energy saving" attributes, what isn't pushed nearly hard enough is for that to happen "Consumer Action" is also required. Another factor that worries me is the" use less when it's busy & you can some free at the weekend", sounds good in theory. There is also the potential for the supplier to disconnect a user, previously a lot of paperwork, even going as far as the courts was required to obtain a disconnection of the supply to vulnerable customers.
.
Not my image : fair use & public information