The UK government consultation on smart meters is now open for business. The theory is that high-tech meters showing householders exactly how much energy they are using in real time will act as a deterrent and help cut the massive carbon footprint of the domestic housing sector. (Get all the details here).
But energy sector groups say interim government plans to issue clip-on electricity metering devices from May next year are short-termism that will detract attention from the major infrastructure investment needed for smart meters proper.
And there is a widely held view that without an edict from central government, suppliers will not be inclined to make the necessary, and costly, upgrades.
