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The national rollout of smart meters has begun. The meters will replace the current meters we have in our homes and will end estimated billing and the need to take meter readings. They will also give us more information about how much energy we’re using at any one time. The government would like every home to have a smart meter by 2020, but they’re not compulsory and householders will need to request one, so do spread the word! Apply for one online

There are also grants available for groups that would like to assist those in their communities who would benefit from a smart meter but may need help to have one installed and understand how to make use of it. Find out more and apply here.

As part of the smart meter rollout, British Gas is offering a free day of electricity per weekend to customers who upgrade to a smart meter. Customers can select to receive free electricity between 9am and 5pm on either Saturdays or Sundays. The ‘FreeTime Tariff’ will be the company’s lowest dual fuel tariff and will be fixed until March 2018. Results from a trial showed that consumers saved around £60 per year and moved an average of 11% of their energy use to the free periods. Market experts are still advising consumers to shop around as other fixed term non smart meter deals may be cheaper overall. However, shifting behaviour in this way is thought to be key to helping manage peak periods on the UK’s already struggling electricity grid - http://bit.ly/298qLfz