The U.K.’s 11.7 billion-pound ($17.9 billion) plan to install so-called smart meters to measure gas and electricity use in every home may disadvantage poor and elderly people, a panel of lawmakers said. The meters, designed to show consumers how much energy they’re using and at what tariff, will make it easier for utilities to cut off a home’s gas and power supplies, the Public Accounts Committee said today in an e-mailed report. It urged the government to set clear rules for an industry that’s dominated by six companies, including EON AG and Centrica Plc. (CNA) “Smart meters will allow energy companies to disconnect customers without entering the property,” Margaret Hodge, chairwoman of the multiparty panel, said in a statement. Officials must “ensure that there are proper safeguards to protect the vulnerable, elderly and those on low incomes to ensure they benefit from the program.” Britain plans to install 53 million smart meters in homes and businesses by 2020 to cut electricity use and lower carbon emissions. Meter-makers including General Electric Co. (GE), SAP AG (SAP), Toshiba Corp. (6502)’s Landis+Gyr unit and Elster Group SE (ELT) are lining up to grab a slice of the market, and have formed an alliance to develop common
