Stephen Metcalfe MP has welcomed the news that 586
households in South Basildon and East Thurrock are already benefiting from
increased control over energy bills through British Gas smart meters, with
average annual savings of £65 per household. This brings the total estimated
savings in the area to £38,090.
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.
Stephen Metcalfe MP commented: “At a time when many people
are struggling to make ends meet, this is good news for the families in South
Basildon and East Thurrock. 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.”
“Every home in the area will have a smart meter by 2020 and
it’s good to see British Gas helping my constituents get the benefits of smart
meter’s today.”
Stuart Rolland, Managing Director of Smart Metering at
British Gas said: “British Gas is working hard to make sure people are in
control of their energy bills, that’s one of the reasons we chose to get smart
meters to our customers earlier than everyone else. 586 of our customers in
South Basildon and East Thurrock are already seeing the benefit of smart and we
look forward to the rest joining them.”
British Gas customers will receive a new smart meter when
the life of their standard meter expires, but customers are also welcome to
register their interest to see if they can get one sooner. Visit britishgas.co.uk/smartmeters
to find out more.
