Smart meter uptake to increase

The number of smart electricity meters in European households is set to grow to 111.4 million by 2015, according to a new research report by analyst company Berg Insight.

Consumers will be given greater control over their energy costs as a result of the change, the study predicted, as well as the role smart meters will play in future smart grids that will incorporate a range of renewable energy technologies.

France, Spain and the UK are expected to be the next European countries to embrace smart meters, following major rollouts in Italy and the Nordic region.

"The UK's largest electricity and gas retailer, British Gas, has launched the first major smart metering project for residential customers in the country," said Tobias Ryberg, Senior Analyst at Berg Insight.

British Gas also recently pledged £10 million worth of free energy assessments for British homes, as well as access to energy efficiency measures.

Posted by Ruth Bradshaw.