Smart meters to cut utility bills

Thursday, 3 Dec 2009, 5:26pm
Smart meters to cut utility bills

The introduction of smart meters into homes will reduce utility bills.

Energy suppliers are to give the [all] 26 million homes in the UK the chance to have [a] smart meter fitted, widely viewed as one way to save money on utility bills, as well as providing a step towards a more efficient grid system.

While current utility bills often include an estimated price for usage, the Department of Energy and Climate Change claimed that households will save up to £28 per year with the devices due to improved accuracy.

The meters would also remove the necessity for energy company representatives to come round to customers' houses to check readings, as all data is sent automatically to providers in real time.

Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It can only be a positive step to make bill payers more aware of their usage levels, and importantly there is no doubt smart meters will put an end to estimated bills and meter readings.

"Customers won't ever have to overpay or find themselves in debt with their energy supplier once smart meters come into force."

Mr Byrom added that the devices will also make consumers keep a closer eye on their utility bills, allowing them to curb unnecessary energy consumption, reducing costs and emissions.

A recent survey revealed that British people believe they could survive for much longer without a job than they actually could, due to a misunderstanding of essential monthly costs such as utility bills.

Bright Grey, life insurance provider and financial advisers, found that Brits think they can maintain their households for ten months if their current income stopped, but research shows that they could only do so for five months.

Written by Barbara Wintergreen
© Copyright

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