UK plans largest-ever smart meter overhaul

The UK will be the first country in the world to have a large-scale, nationwide overhaul for smart electricity and gas meters.

Under plans published today, all homes in Britain will have smart meters installed by 2020. Smart meters enable meter readings to be taken remotely and, together with a display device, give householders real-time information on their energy use.

Such information is aimed at helping consumers see how much energy they are using and better understand how to save money on their bills.

Smart meters will mean quicker and smoother switching between suppliers and cheaper, easier prepayment and the end of estimated bills. They’ll also mean that householders will no longer have to stay in for home readings.

“This is another part of our Great British refurb,” said Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Change Secretary. “The meters most of us have in our homes were designed for a different age, before climate change. Now we need to get smarter with our energy.

He continued, “Smart meters will empower all consumers to monitor their own energy use and make reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions as a result. Smart meters will also mean the end of inaccurate bills and estimated meter readings.

“This is a big project affecting 26 million homes, and several million businesses, so it’s important we design a system that brings best value to everyone involved,” Miliband said.