Plans for Smart Energy Meters
New meters would show the cost of energy used
7th June 2005
Under a draft directive being debated by the European parliament, energy suppliers may have to start fitting 'smart' meters in their customers' homes, which will show the cost of energy used.
While it's estimated that the plan would cost nearly £1.5bn to implement, energy customers may end up with lower bills as they can more easily keep a watch on their spending.
Also, the energy industry would make savings over the longer term, as the new meters would be able to 'phone home' the meter reading, saving money on manual meter reading and also putting an end to underbilling and the admin costs of estimated readings.
The meters have been in use in Italy since 1997, and peak electricity demand has fallen by 5% according to Energywatch, the consumer energy watchdog, which welcomed the proposals.
Read More: BBC Report
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