Smart meters could have big impact on accessing cheap energy - 05/01/2009

Smart meters could have a major impact on helping homeowners to access cheap energy through the course of 2009, reports Sunday Herald.

The devices not only measure domestic energy use in a very precise way, but they also provide detailed information on when energy was used. This can then be used by homeowners to plan how to reduce their energy usage which will help to cut household emissions of greenhouse gases while also tackling price rises from energy suppliers.

Adrian Clamp, head of utilities, oil and gas, and chemicals at consultancy firm Accenture, told the paper: "[Smart meters] get far more intelligence - something that clips on to the metering infrastructure - but typically also a display screen that shows how much they are using."

Mr Clamp added that the proliferation of smart meters would also facilitate the spread of renewable technology in domestic settings, creating more opportunities to access cheap energy.

It is hoped that a nationwide roll-out of smart meters will form part of the government's energy-efficiency plan.

Mark Todd, of energyhelpline.com, said: "UK households can fight back. Using a switching service they can compare energy prices and switch gas and electricity to a much cheaper option. The average customer can save up to £378 in a few minutes."

If you want to find out more about gas and electricity and how you could save up to £378 in minutes, click here.