People over the age of 65 are the most likely to own a 'smart' energy meter, according to a major nationwide survey.

Smart Energy GB has published the latest edition of 'Smart Energy Outlook', the largest independent study of national public opinion on energy and smart meters.

The nationwide survey into the opinions of almost 10,000 people across Great Britain, carried out by Populus, has shown that people over the age of 65 are the most likely age group to own a smart meter - with almost a quarter of those surveyed owning the new devices.

The survey showed a similar level of uptake of smart meters amongst people using prepay, with nearly a quarter saying they had already upgraded to the new technology, and 86 per cent of those on smart prepay likely to recommend them to family and friends.

The Smart energy outlook report also found that:

• Awareness of smart meters has never been higher, with 98 per cent of people across Great Britain claiming they are aware of the new meters

• The majority (83 per cent) of people with smart meters say they have a better idea of what they're spending on energy

• Two thirds (67 per cent) of those who have already had smart meters installed in their home claim they are more conscious of their energy use

• Eight in ten (81 per cent) of people with smart meters say they have taken at least one step to use less energy 

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• Almost half (44 per cent) of people in Great Britain who don't yet have a smart meter want to get one within the next six months. That's almost 15 million people who want to upgrade and join the millions of others who are already becoming part of a cleaner and greener Britain

Government figures show there are now more than 12 million smart meters installed across Great Britain. Smart Energy Outlook found that seven in ten people who have a smart meter would recommend them to family and friends. That's equivalent to 7.2 million people who would recommend a smart meter.

The research comes as the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launches the first ever Green GB week. The week aims to highlight the opportunities clean growth offers the UK and to promote how we can all do our bit to tackle climate change – such as by getting a smart meter to help reduce energy waste at home.

Claire Perry, Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, said: "This research shows older consumers are even more likely to have smart meters installed in their homes than their tech-savvy grandchildren, giving them the opportunity to take control of their energy use and save money on their bills.

"Everyone who wants a smart meter should be able to feel the benefits, and just last week, Energy UK outlined an innovative collaboration across industry to bring the benefits of smart meters to blind and partially sighted people.

"This momentum shows smart meters are the cornerstone of a smarter energy system fit for the future and with awareness of these handy devices higher than ever before, this technology revolution will help shape the way we all live for the better."

Mervyn Kohler, External Affairs Manager at Age UK, added: "Smart meters are helping older people across the country to save money on their energy bills and take steps towards reducing their energy waste.

"I'm delighted that so many older people are upgrading to a technology which ends the era of inaccurate, estimated bills and crawling under the stairs to read their meter."

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said:

"It's great to see so many older people throughout Great Britain getting a smart meter installed in their home, and harnessing the ability to be cleaner and greener with their energy use.

"This report makes clear that people with smart meters have a much better understanding of their energy consumption and would happily recommend them to their family and friends.

"Smart meters are revolutionising the way we engage with our energy and are a vital upgrade to our outdated infrastructure. Every person who opts for a smart meter is helping Britain towards its smarter future."