Smart meters 'will help with move towards electric transport'

Date: 4/4/2011

The foundation stage of the government's scheme to deliver smart meters to homes and businesses across the UK has now commenced.

According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, ministers will be working alongside the utilities sector, consumer groups and other interested parties to carry out the groundwork before a mass rollout planned for 2014.

It is hoped that this phase of the project will allow time to test the technology by helping customers get the most from their meters and ensuring that utility providers know what works best for their consumers.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry pointed out that the use of the devices could play an important role in the country's move towards an electric transport network.

"Smart meters will enable us to modernise the electricity system over the coming years and create the smart grids we will need to bring new low-carbon energy sources online and handle much higher demand for electricity as we progressively electrify transport and heating," he explained.

Last week, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders hosted an event aimed at providing the latest safety and technical data for electric vehicles to representatives of the insurance sector.

It was hoped this would allow cover providers to analyse the impact these cars will have on the premiums they offer.

Posted by Nick Anderson