uSwitch.com: Smart Meters

Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com comments on today's announcement on smart meters: "Today's announcement from the government to equip every home in the UK with a smart meter by 2020 marks a great news day for all energy users. It may seem like a long deadline, but this is a huge programme and it's important that it's completed as effectively as possible, with minimum disruption to consumers.

"Smart meters will provide consumers with the information they need to manage their use of energy and reduce costs. At last, it will also mark the end of meter readings and estimated bills. Our research has shown that almost 11 million consumers have unexpectedly owed money to their supplier following a discrepancy between an estimated and actual meter reading. On average, these customers ended up owing £142, with a fifth (20%) owing between £101-£200.

"The initiative will also provide a more efficient method of balancing the supply and demand of electricity across Great Britain. In turn, this will reduce costs and carbon emissions.

"We may all have to pay a little more to cover the installation costs of smart meters, but this expense will be quickly wiped out by future savings."