Put that light out!

摘要

If knowledge is power, then the UK is about to become a stronger nation by being able to understand its gas and electricity usage. It is a startling fact that we know how much petrol in pounds and pence we pour into our vehicles but when it comes to how much it costs to switch on a light bulb we are left in the dark. Smart meters could change all that. In homes around the country, devices are being trialled that allow consumers to track how much energy they use and what it costs on a daily basis. Such devices should encourage consumers to make intelligent "green" decisions, such as not leaving the TV on standby - an action that costs the UK £88 million a year. This should result in a cut in waste energy and a reduction in harmful carbon emissions.