The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has set out the overall strategy and timetable for the installation of 53 million smart meters in 30 million homes and businesses.

DECC estimates that the average consumer will save around £23 per year on their energy bills by 2020 as a result of smart metering.

The rollout will take place in two phases. Starting now, the groundwork will be carried out with industry and consumer groups to test the systems.

During this stage the Government will also establish the Data and Communications Company, which will provide data and communications services for the smart metering system nationwide.

The second phase will be a mass rollout, starting in early 2014 and completing in 2019.

Smart metering will also mean an end to estimated billing as suppliers will have access to accurate data.

You can find out more about the smart meter programme on the DECC website.

Alison Brown

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