I have welcomed the news today that over 2,000 households in Leigh are already benefiting from increased control over energy bills through British Gas smart meters, with average annual savings of £65 per household.
Smart meters mean for the first time, households can see how much gas and electricity they are using, as they use it, and how much that costs in pounds and pence. By gaining insight into what they are spending and where, consumers can take control over their energy use and consequently their bills. Smart meters also send meter readings to suppliers automatically, seeing an end to estimated bills.
All energy companies are required to deliver smart meters to every home and business in the country by 2020, with British Gas already installing one million smart meters - around 75% of the total currently installed in Britain today.
At a time when many people are struggling to make ends meet, this is good news for the families in Leigh. Energy bills are a big worry for some households and anything that can provide greater transparency and help people take control of their costs and reduce waste is welcome.