NORTH EAST MEP PAVES WAY FOR 'SMART METERS'

12.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Dec 2005

A plan to introduce 'smart meters' to check on gas and electricity use in every home has received the backing of MEPs at a crucial vote in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg yesterday, Fiona Hall said:

"These new metering and billing measures are essential because they establish the fundamental principle that consumers have a right to information about how much energy they are using."

"It is only when people have such knowledge that they can start to adapt their behaviour and choose energy-saving options."

The new EU law, aimed at increasing energy efficiency and curbing climate change, should now also play a role in helping tackle consumer debt.

Smart metering services, which will be introduced to all new connections and as existing meters need replacing, will allow consumers to check at a glance how much energy they are using and how much it will cost. The new meters are part of a package of measures that will also force energy companies, for the first time, to give individual consumers accurate and detailed bills along with information about the environmental impact of their energy use.

North East Euro-MP Fiona Hall, who tabled the amendments, said:

"A major cause of personal debt in this country is having a huge gas or electricity bill land on your door mat after months or even years of estimated bills, or no bills at all."

"The amendment I introduced, which has been passed today, will require gas and electricity companies to send accurate, regular bills based on actual consumption. This will make a real difference to consumers helping them to save money by cutting their energy use and stopping the widespread problem of serious debt because of unexpectedly large fuel bills."

The billing amendment will mean that consumers pay for their actual consumption and not estimated costs, and they will also receive bills more frequently so they can better manage the amount they use and the amount they pay.