An accelerated deployment of smart energy meters to help
tackle climate change is now supported by enterprise minister, John
Hutton.
Hutton told the Times he supported a scheme that proposes that
smart meters should be installed in all homes within seven
years.
Such meters give clearer information to customers about how much
energy they are using and how much it is costing them, encouraging
them to cut their energy use.
Hutton told the Times, "The energy-efficiency benefit that
meters will bring is really necessary if we are to meet our climate
change targets."
British Gas also supports an accelerated smart meter roll-out
across the UK, which could cost an estimated £6.1bn.
The government is expected to reach an official position on
smart metering early next year. Consumers will be concerned that
the cost of the meters will be passed on to them through more
expensive bills.