GEORGE Lawson says the only thing he has got out of having a smart meter is a bigger bill.
Since one of the units was installed at his Canterbury home in February last year, his supply charges have jumped by about $30 a quarter.
“I am not seeing any benefits at all,” Mr Lawson said. “All I can see on my account is that the charges have increased substantially.”
The 68-year-old and wife Eileen had no idea they could refuse to have the meter installed.
Mr Lawson said even the meter reader labelled the hi-tech system “shambolic”, saying the devices didn’t work.
“No one really knows what everything is all about,” Mr Lawson said. “I do not think they are smart.”