Govt announces cheap energy smart meter roll-out - 03/12/2009
The government has announced details of its plan to roll out smart meters throughout the UK by 2020, saying energy suppliers will by primarily responsible.
The intention is to use smart meters to draw attention to the specifics of domestic energy usage and in the process encourage homeowners to switch energy practices to encompass greater efficiency.
By 2020, the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is seeking to roll out 47 million meters throughout 26 million UK homes.
Energy and climate change minister Lord Hunt said: "Smart meters will put the power in people's hands, enabling us all to control how much energy we use, cut emissions and cut bills."
Potential savings of £28 a year have been identified by recent studies, but the DECC says actual figures could be five times this number as the smart meters could inspire homeowners to be efficient in other areas as well.
Buying efficient white goods and installing cavity wall and loft insulation could also help homeowners reduce their energy bills and lower their carbon emissions.
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