16 June 2009
Smart meters enable consumers to keep track of how much they spend and give a real-time view of their energy usage, it has been claimed.
According to Will Marples, Energy Expert at uSwitch.com, they are a fairly new concept, so their merits are still yet to be seen fully.
"As well as managing your consumption more effectively smart meters also allow you to be that bit more energy efficient," he continued.
Statistics from the price comparison site show that 5.9 million energy customers are on prepayment meters (PPM) and these customers have overpaid energy companies nearly half a billion pounds over the last three years.
On average, PPMs cost £1,252 a year - £107 more than being a standard customer paying by direct debt, it also suggested.