All homes in Britain will have smart meters installed by 2020, providing real-time information about how much energy they are using. Great Britain will be the first country in the world to have an overhaul of this size for both gas and electricity meters. Smart meters allow meter readings to be taken remotely. Together with a display device, they will give householders real-time information about how much energy they are using. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said that smart meters will mean:

* the end of estimated bills
* no more having to stay in for home readings
* quicker and smoother switching between suppliers
* cheaper, easier prepayment

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said: "This is another part of our Great British refurb. 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 "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."

Source: Directgov, Crown Copyright