Smart meters have been designed to help businesses and homeowners reduce their energy consumption by offering minute-by-minute data revealing specific usage information, thus reducing both business energy costs as well as domestic energy bills. Nationwide roll-out is expected to commence within four years across the UK – and that is where manufacturer Landis and Gyr is hoping to play a major role.

As one of the world’s leader in smart metering and energy management solutions, Landis and Gyr is preparing for a mass roll-out, and although the decision on which is expected in November, the firm has already invested around £80 million in new technology improving meters that will be available for the public.

The company has also been forming relationships with the UK’s major energy suppliers to make the roll-out a smooth operation, where it is anticipated could cost as much as £9 billion to carry out.

In an interview for the Manchester Evening News, Landis and Gyr’s CEO Steve Cunningham, said that if his company is really fortunate, then they might get 40% of the business, which would mean that they would more than double their output in Stockport and would have to expand into the next door unit.

Energy suppliers are in support of the scheme because it would mean they would no longer need to send out staff to read meters.

Source;
Energyhelpline.com/ News/ Gas & Electricity (Smart meter company seeks major role in government’s cheap energy plan-29/09/2009)