David Rees AM sees the benefits of smart meters in Wales

As the number of smart meters installed by British Gas in homes across Britain passes the million mark, David Rees, AM for Aberavon, has welcomed news that 1813 households and businesses in Neath Port Talbot are already benefiting from increased control over energy bills through British Gas smart meters. At an event at the Senedd on Tuesday 1^st July, AMs had the chance to see for themselves how consumers are benefiting from the roll-out of smart meters and how they are taking simple steps every day to manage their energy use.

Smart meters give customers greater insight into how much gas and electricity they’re using, meaning they have more control over their energy use and can therefore manage their bills more effectively. A ‘smart energy monitor’ that can be placed anywhere in the home displays in pounds and pence how much gas and electricity is being used and its cost in pounds and pence, helping people be more energy efficient. Smart meter readings are sent directly to energy companies, putting an end to estimated bills and manual meter readings.

David Rees said: “The British Gas smart meter event provided a great insight into how new technology can help customers across Aberavon become more efficient in their energy use and how they can manage their bills more effectively.  In a time when we see energy costs taking a larger portion of a family’s income it is important to see such new technology help those families reduce their costs. ”