Citizens Advice responds to the government's latest smart meter statistics - Wired

If you're among the millions of UK households navigating the smart meter rollout, recent government statistics reveal some troubling issues—and for health-conscious families concerned about wireless technology in their homes, the findings raise important questions.

Three Million Smart Meters Are Failing to Work Properly

According to Citizens Advice's response to the latest government smart meter data, approximately three million smart meters are currently failing to deliver on their promises. The charity's Director of Energy, Gillian Cooper, points out that when these devices malfunction, households endure "months of inaccurate, estimated bills that leave them out of pocket."

The scale of the problem is significant: over a third (36%) of people with smart meters—representing 6.7 million households—regularly have to submit manual readings to their supplier, a 20% increase since last year. Perhaps more concerning, 1.2 million households haven't been receiving accurate bills as expected since their meter installation. In fact, smart meter complaints have become the most common reason people contact their energy suppliers so far in 2026.

What This Means for EMF-Conscious Families

For parents and homebuyers concerned about electromagnetic field exposure, this situation presents a particular dilemma. Many households opted for smart meters expecting reliable service, but are now left with devices that may be transmitting wireless signals continuously without even delivering the promised benefits. Just as families research low-EMF air purifiers and low-EMF hair dryers to reduce exposure in their homes, the question of whether a malfunctioning smart meter is worth the wireless radiation it emits becomes relevant.

Citizens Advice is calling on Ofgem to urgently implement stricter rules that hold companies accountable and guarantee faulty smart meters are fixed quickly. For families caught in the middle, this means staying vigilant about your meter's performance and knowing your rights. If you're experiencing issues, document them and don't hesitate to escalate complaints. Some households concerned about EMF exposure have explored options like EMF shielding paint as part of a broader strategy to reduce wireless radiation in their homes.

Originally reported by Gov