'Smart' meters could cut energy bills

NEW rules that will allow consumers to keep a closer eye on how much energy they use and how much it costs are expected to be passed in Europe today.

MEPs are expected to vote in favour of a draft Directive that will force energy companies to provide customers with 'smart' electricity meters that produce accurate up-to-the-minute readings.

The new meters are part of a package of measures that will compel energy companies to give customers accurate and detailed bills along with information about the environmental impact of their energy use.

Currently, the majority of electricity bills are estimates, which consumer group Energywatch claims can be wildly inaccurate.

It is believed by switching to a more accurate system of metering customers will cut down on their electricity consumption and bills will be reduced. However, the UK is well behind its European neighbours with the implementation of smart meters.

Italy has launched a €2bn conversion programme for its 30m energy customers, but predicts energy companies will save €500m a year in distribution costs.

Energywatch chief executive Allan Asher said: 'All consumers want to save money. Some even want to save the planet. With the right information people can cut their energy consumption and do both.

'The technology exists but, in the UK at least, the will is lacking.'

Liberal democrat MEP Fiona Hall said: 'The Directive represents a significant move towards creating an energy efficient Europe. The European Parliament is taking the lead in sending out a strong message that Europe needs to curb its growth in energy consumption for the good of the economy and the environment.'

Russell Hamblin-Boone, head of communications and policy at the Energy Retail Association, said smart metering was the 'holy grail' of the industry but warned the initiative needs Government support.

He said: 'At the moment there is no direct link between the electricity company's systems and the customer's meter. However, the energy industry cannot fund this on its own, it needs a lead from the Government but it appears that it is happy with the current metering system.'

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