ITN
Monday, 11 May 2009

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Every UK home to get 'smart meter'
© ITN 2009
The Government wants every home in the UK to be be fitted with smart meters by the end of 2020.
The gadget enables consumers to keep tabs on how much energy they are using and allows suppliers to remotely record use.
Ministers are to consult over the £7 billion installation plan over the next three months.
The smart meter will give each household the autonomy to watch, assess and calculate how much energy they are using at any one time.
It also makes it easier for suppliers to work out bills without the need to send out meter readers or estimate how much the householder owes.
The Government hopes that energy use will decrease, fuel bills will drop and CO2 emissions will be slashed by up to 2.6m tonnes.
A spokesman for Consumer Focus, the independent watchdog, welcomed the move.
He said: "Visiting every home in the UK is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and should also be used to help make people's homes more energy-efficient.
"Government should show leadership and make sure that this roll- out is joined up and the opportunity isn't wasted.
"Energy suppliers, not just consumers, will make savings with smart meters. Energy companies should take on their fair share of the cost burden of installing these meters and not pocket these savings."
Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins said: "If we're going to maximise the potential for householders to generate their own renewable energy and help people cut their energy costs, then smart meters have a crucial role to play.
"But this initiative needs greater urgency - and must be part of a green energy revolution."