The UK Prepares for the Implementation of Smart Metres

Over the next 10 years, the government will be fighting to meet its carbon emissions targets and will be implementing smart metres in millions of homes across the country to help monitor energy usage.

The government’s aim is to install smart meters in every home by 2020. However, British Gas also recently announced that they would install the technology in two million homes by the end of 2012.

Smart meters are designed to show consumers what they are using in real time. Whether they have appliances on standby, or are using a lot of energy on heating, smart metres will help to make them more aware and hopefully to cut down on energy use.

As a result, it is also hoped that homes will make more use of green technologies that exist not only to cut carbon emissions, but also to reduce energy bills. This includes double glazing and cavity wall insulation.

MSN Money has reported that the installation of smart metres across the country will cost an average of £340 per home, totally £9 billion.

However, the hope for the Department of Energy and Climate Change is that the cost will be offset thanks to the savings that result from cheaper energy bills. MSN commented: ‘The political rationale is that, in the long run, they will pay for themselves and more in energy savings’.

British Gas has reported that it wants to make smart metres available to its customers as soon as possible.