British Gas has begun rolling out the most advanced smart meter available into its customers' homes.

The new meter, which comes with a stylish touch-screen display showing households how much energy they are using, will help customers cut their bills and save money. It will also mean households will be billed accurately and no longer get estimated bills.

Customers will be able to compare their gas and electricity use by the hour, day, week and year. They will also be able to set their own energy targets and a traffic light system will warn households when they are using large amounts of electricity.

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The new smart meters can be updated remotely with software upgrades. The means that as technology evolves there will be no need to have the meters removed and refitted in the future making it hassle-free for households.

British Gas already has the largest number of smart meters in the UK with over 400,000 installed in homes and businesses so far. The new next generation smart meter has a number of upgraded systems designed to help British Gas customers become the most informed and empowered energy users in the country. Customers will receive their smart meter as part of a phased roll out across the country.

Dean Keeling, Managing Director of British Gas Smart Homes, said: "We want people to understand the energy they use and make informed choices about when to use it and how to save it. These new smart meters – the most advanced in the world to go into customers homes – will help customers do this.

"The Government has given the green light to the roll out of smart meters to every home and business in Britain. This means that households will find it easier to cut their energy use and save money."

(CD)