According to new research from energy company E.ON, nearly two-thirds (63%) of the UK is confused about smart meters and what they do – despite the Government's requirement to have a smart meter installed in every property by 2019.

Only a third (37%) of respondents could correctly describe the functionality of smart meter. The remaining respondents mistakenly believed a smart meter was an electronic device which lets you make face-to-face calls with you energy supplier and/or a gadget which allows households to turn off electricity in part of their home.

The research also highlights a big knowledge gap, with the majority of the UK (82%) unaware that all households must install a smart meter in the next eight years. Revealing an apathetic younger generation, those aged 25-34 are most out of touch with the Government pledge (88%).

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E.ON's findings show that the UK has an energy conscience, with households keen to make energy savings, but are lacking the knowledge to do so. Just under half of respondents (44%) were unaware that smart meters can help save money, but over half of respondents (53%) would reduce their energy usage if they had visibility of their consumption.

As a key indicator of the lack of awareness, only a quarter (22%) knew that energy companies install smart meters at no cost to the household.

Simon Perkins, Smart Metering Centre of Excellence Manager at E.ON, said: "Smart meters are intelligent electricity and gas meters which enable two-way communications between your energy supplier and your home. Smart meter technology will transform how households think about energy and how we all interact with our energy companies.

"We understand any technological change in your home can be daunting, which is why we've set up a dedicated customer contact centre to support all of our customers who are having a smart meter fitted. We want to help our customers with step-by-step assistance throughout the journey so they can make the most of the new device in their home."

E.ON's Smart Metering Centre of Excellence is a dedicated contact centre supporting customers with smart meters. Over 35,000 E.ON customers have already had smart meters fitted and the company plans to reach a target of one million installations by the end of March 2014.

(CD)