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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Business
Christopher Megrath

Martin Lewis clears up energy meter 'conspiracy theory' being shared on Facebook

Martin Lewis cleared up an energy bill conspiracy theory making its way around social media, debunking them entirely.

The Money Saving Expert has been answering audience questions on Good Morning Britain regarding concerns over the ongoing cost of living and energy crisis. He has also been responding via his Twitter page.

He recently shut down a theory that removing gas and electricity meters from your house means you won't get charged for the energy you use. Quickly shutting the rumour down, he said: "There's a conspiracy theory suggestion I keep being asked about that energy charges are 'for having a meter' not for fuel use.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis explains what to do if you are not eligible for the automatic council tax rebate

"Therefore 'remove the meter & you use energy for free'. It's just nonsense. You pay for the units of fuel you use, and a standing charge." One of his followers quickly added to the discussion: "When I first got a smart meter it didn’t report gas usage for 6 months.

"I switched last September and again it didn’t report usage for another 6 months. It’s annoying as you have no idea how much you are using unless you can be bothered to manual work it out yourself."

A second responded: "Sorry to say it, but, yes you can remove the meter and have free gas and electricity, but obviously, it's illegal and very dangerous," while another of Martin's followers asked for clarity on another energy-related post they'd seen doing the rounds. They tweeted: "Is there any truth to the suggestion that energy companies are using the data collected from smart meters to set up a system to charge more during peak periods?

"I've seen this reported by a number of people news outlets. Just wondered if it's just scaremongering."

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