Government unveils plans for smart meters
Published on : 02/12/2009
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Smart meters will be installed in every home in the UK under government plans, which could lead to cheaper gas and electricity bills.
The plans being announced today (Wednesday December 2nd) would see the installations take place between 2012 and 2020.
There could also be plans put in place for an "intelligent grid" which would automatically turn on and off appliances to make the best use of off-peak power.
Once homes are equipped with a smart meter they will be able to monitor in real time the amount of energy they are using and how much it is costing them. This could potentially lead to a reduction in energy bills.
Which? editor Martyn Hocking said: "We're relieved that display units will be part of the smart meter roll-out as they will provide the information people need to help them manage their energy consumption and cut costs."
Suppliers which are part of the Energy Retail Association have already committed to supplying every home in Britain with a smart meter.
