TV stars say think smart when it comes to saving energy
Householders across Renfrewshire could be quids in if they get a smart meter installed.
That’s the message from Smart Energy GB which is campaigning for everyone to get smart meters installed to measure the exact energy used in each home.
Property expert Kirstie Allsopp and Scottish comedian Susan Calman visited intu Braehead in Renfrew this week to speak to shoppers about smart meters.
Kirstie Allsopp, who presents Location, Location, Location on Channel 4 with Phil Spencer, said:“How can you know you are wasting energy if you can’t see it? I believe if we all get smart meters, it will help make our country greener.
“My smart meter will be right up there with those things that I can’t imagine living without once I’ve spent enough time with it – a bit like Phil really.”
Properties fitted with a smart meter means you only pay for the energy you use rather than estimated bills.
In Paisley, there are 80,902 households and of those, 22,182 have a smart meter installed with 58,720 still to have one installed.
Susan said:“I was sick of my old meter being some unknown and uncontrollable little monster that lived under the stairs.
“Instead, I got a smart meter that’s more like a nerdy pal that helps me keep tabs on my energy spend.
“I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to life, so this is just what I need to control my energy in the summer, so I can spend more in the winter.”
There are already more than 11 million smart meters installed in homes and small businesses across Great Britain.
Households can ask for a smart meter to be fitted by their energy supplier for free.
Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Smart Energy GB, said:“Britain is in the midst of one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades ever undertaken.
“I love the passion that Kirstie, Phil and Susan are bringing to challenging us all to take a small step in each of our homes that adds up to a big result for Great Britain.”
To check your potential savings, go online to smartenergygb.org