I don't need a smart meter to tell me that

We will all be more informed and more able to make savings, apparently.

Some years ago British Gas installed a smart meter at my home, and we have a little device in our kitchen which supplies us with useless information.

I haven’t the slightest idea what benefit it is to me.

First thing in the morning the little screen is telling me that my electricity is costing me a rate of 3p per hour. I assume that this is because my fridge is working.

I put just enough water into my kettle and switch it on and the hourly rate goes up to 49p.

I start again at 3p and switch on my triple A rated washing machine and the figure shoots up to 40p. Later I use my new tumble drier and that goes up to 40p, too. I have similar exciting revelations when I move to the gas items.

I have no idea whether or not these figures are accurate, or the whether the bill readings are accurate.

The only thing I have learned from this rather pointless exercise is that if it’s cold, or I am thirsty; don’t put the kettle on because it’s costing a fortune.

Don’t use the washing machine, take the washing to the nearest riverbank, because it’s costing a fortune. Don’t use the tumble drier in the winter, when the clothes won’t dry outside, because it’s costing a fortune.

While wearing a T-shirt, a shirt, a thin jumper and a thick cardigan in the winter, and having the central heating set at only 18C, turn the heating off and shiver.

Don’t try to keep just one room warm by using just a gas fire, because the big bills still keep coming and rising.

I don’t need a smart meter to tell me that.

S Collins

Sheffield, S5