Energy and Climate Change CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by M Beresford (SMR88)

My comments as an individual who suffers from multiple allergies and who has children who suffer from multiple allergies briefly as follows:

There is very poor awareness and a culture of denial in the NHS about allergies and in particular complex multiple allergies including electrical sensitivities.

There is no treatment on the NHS for allergy conditions including electrical sensitivity.

Installing smart meters will increase the incidence of electrical sensitivity problems.

As someone who is constantly looking for ways to save money on my energy bills, I do not see how smart meters would save me money. I do not leave my TV etc on standby; I turn lights off when I leave the room; I wear jumpers to save on my central heating bills. If people have not listened to these energy saving ideas then they will not look at a smart meter.

Much bigger energy savings could be achieved by spending the money on education; grants; solar power; and building regulations; etc. There is plenty of scope for houses to be better insulated. All new buildings could be required to install solar panels without it significantly effecting house prices. Retail shops should stop leaving their lights on once shops are closed; etc.

Consult with Friends of the Earth and allergy specialists such as the Breakspear Hospital in Hemel Hempstead and come up with better ideas.

February 2013