Electrical training apprentices might be interested to learn that one green energy expert has claimed that companies should not be restricted to providing a 'one size fits all' smart meter to customers.

Peter Jenkins is the head of communications and public affairs at the Energy Retail Association, which represents the main electricity and gas suppliers in the UK domestic market.

He said that smart metering has been introduced in houses in order to provide householders with easy-to-access data on the energy they are consuming.

His comments follow the remarks of the Energy Saving Trust, which claimed that such meters will be crucial in making sure that energy-saving measures become a reality.

"The industry has always maintained that customers need a display of energy information in order to gain the maximum benefits from smart meters," stated Mr Jenkins.

He added that firms should be permitted to offer consumers the types of displays they would find most useful.