Pubs to save money on new meters

Pubs are set to have new hi-tech gas and electricity meters installed by 2020 to ensure more efficient energy use, the government announced today.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change announced plans to have "smart meters" installed in every home in the UK. The move will also apply to pubs and other business premises.

The meters will allow readings to be taken remotely and together with a display device and are expected save up to £3.6bn over 20 years.

This means that licensees will be able to see what energy they are using and how to save money on their bills.

The new meters will also save people the trouble of having to estimate bills and the need to stay in for home readings.

Other advantages include quicker and smoother switching between suppliers and cheaper and easier prepayment.

The UK will be the first country in the world to have such an overhaul of gas and electricty meters.

Energy and Climate Change secretary Ed Miliband said: "This is another part of our Great British refurb. The meters most of us have in our homes were designed for a different age, before climate change. Now 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. Smart meters will also mean the end of inaccurate bills and estimated meter readings.

"This is a big project affecting 26 million homes, and several million businesses, so it's important we design a system that brings best value to everyone involved."