UK energy watchdog Energywatch is calling on all suppliers to read meters at least every six months to stop customers being left in the dark about the amount of energy they are using.
Over a third of domestic energy bills are estimated and the watchdog says that the move would create more accurate bills and help consumers have a clearer picture of their energy consumption.
Energywatch remains convinced that smart meters are the ideal solution to a widespread change in customer behavior towards energy use and efficiency but wants the increase in meter reading frequency as an interim measure.
Jonathan Stearn, head of campaigns at Energywatch, said: Until consumers are given smart meters to allow them and their suppliers to see how much energy they are using in real-time, the obligation on suppliers to read meters more frequently should be stepped up. A target of reading meters at least every six months should not be beyond suppliers.