British homes 'to have smart meters by 2020'

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British homes 'to have smart meters by 2020'

Mon 11th May 2009

All homes in Britain are to be installed with smart meters by 2020, according to new plans unveiled by the government.

The electricity and gas meters will allow for easier switching between utility companies and the opportunity for users to take advantage of off-peak cheaper energy. Britain will also be the first country to benefit from the technology that they offer.

Using the meters, homeowners will be able to see how much energy they are using, which could encourage them to reduce their consumption, save energy and lower their bills at the same time.

Ed Miliband, energy and climate change secretary for Britain, stated that smart meters will also put an end to "inaccurate bills and estimated meter readings".

He continued: "Smart meters will empower all consumers to monitor their own energy use and make reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions as a result."

According to the department of energy and climate change, suppliers, customers and the UK collectively will save between £2.5 and £3.6 billion within the next 20 years if the scheme goes ahead.

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