Tradespersons who have taken electrician training courses could become essential to implementing proposals revealed yesterday by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

It was announced that smart meters are to be introduced in every home in Britain before 2020 in an attempt to cut the UK's total carbon emissions.

Such technology offers users the chance to see real-time information about how much energy their properties are using and energy and climate change minister Lord Hunt stated that it could be hugely beneficial.

He said: "Smart meters will put the power in people's hands, enabling us all to control how much energy we use, cut emissions and cut bills."

The devices will be installed by energy suppliers and it could be that workers with approved electrical qualifications will be needed by the companies to fit them.

Director of consumer policy at uSwitch Ann Robinson welcomed the proposals, stating that they were a "positive step forward".

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