In an attempt to cut energy use, the Government is to install smart meters, which show electricity and gas consumption at a glance, in every home in Britain by 2020.
All of the country's 26 million households will be fitted with 48 million new meters (26 million for electricity and 22 million for gas) in a massive rollout programme, beginning in 2012, at a total cost of between £7bn and £9bn. Several million businesses will also receive the new devices.
The move represents a comprehensive overhaul of Britain's domestic energy sector, replacing old meters with a technological system that makes the true cost and rates of consumption of energy instantly apparent.
Smart meters provide a strong incentive to reduce energy use since they feature a display which gives householders real-time information on their use of individual appliances. The proposed smart metering system has been welcomed by commentators who believe it will help Britain to cut its carbon emissions.
The Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband said, "The meters most of us have in our homes were designed for a different age, before climate change. We need to get smarter with our energy. Smart meters will empower all consumers to monitor their own energy use and make reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions as a result."
British Gas, which already has a smart meter trial under way in 50,000 homes and businesses, said the move will involve the biggest revolution in energy use since all the nation's homes were converted to natural gas in the 1970s.
A 10-week consultation is under way as to how to install and run smart meters across the country.
