HOUSEHOLDERS may soon find it easier to see exactly how much they are spending on gas and electricity each month, thanks to new smart meters.

Work is beginning on the roll-out of smart-meters across the region with the aim of having them fitted in every household by 2020.

The meters will be fitted at no charge by energy suppliers but there are concerns not enough people are aware of them.

It is anticipated that all households and micro-businesses will have a smart meter by the end of the decade.

However, there is no legal obligation to have one.

The process is being handled by Smart Energy GB which has recently written to the council to inform them of the process.

Written by chief executive Sacha Deshmukh, it reads: “This is the biggest upgrade to our energy infrastructure in a generation and is set to revitalise the energy market.

“The roll-out is just beginning, and already smart meters are transforming the consumer experience of buying gas and electricity.

“In our latest Smart Energy Outlook, the largest barometer of public opinion into energy and smart meters, we found consumers who already have smart meters feel they have more control over the gas and electricity the buy, compared to their analogue meters.

It goes on to say: “Smart meter users had more confidence in the accuracy of their bills and told us they feel they have the right information they need to choose the right energy tariffs.”

Before the roll-out starts in earnest next year, the company is keen to ensure everyone knows what are smart meter is.

A study has shown that in the South West, so far only 17 per cent of people are aware of what a smart meter is.

Smart Energy GB was established with the aim of spreading the word about the smart meters.

To help increase awareness, the company has asked councillors to help them.

The letter reads: “Government created Smart Energy GB to run the national smart energy campaign on smart meters and we will need the support of councillors and organisations across the country if we are to be successful.”

Energy companies will try and contact homes and businesses in the coming years to offer them the meter.

The government have introduced legislation to prevent sales during the installation visit.

For more information about the smart meter roll-out, go to gov.uk/smart-meters-how-they-work.