Govt smart meter plans 'may create smaller energy bills'

By giving people the chance to monitor their energy usage, smart meters may help homeowners out in a financial sense, it has been suggested.

In a development which may appeal to those looking to overcome credit card debt by lowering their fuel consumption, the government's Lord Hunt claims that smart meters might help to reduce household bills.

The country's energy and climate change minister noted: "Smart meters will put the power in people’s hands, enabling us all to control how much energy we use, cut emissions and cut bills."

Lord Hunt also highlighted the importance of the forthcoming Copenhagen climate summit.

He was speaking after the announcement that by 2020, the country's energy suppliers will be aiming to provide every homeowner with a smart meter.

Representatives from organisations like Consumer Focus and moneysupermarket.com have given their backing to some of the plus-points smart meters might have for the country's householders.