Smart Meters to Lead Energy Revolution, Says British Gas

WINDSOR, England - Every household in Britain could reduce its energy use, cut carbon emissions and save money as a result of smart meters, says Britain’s largest energy supplier.

The company today welcomed the planned roll-out of the technology, which will herald the biggest revolution in energy use since British Gas converted all the nation’s homes to natural gas in the 1970s.

Replacing the UK’s 47 million gas and electricity meters with new smart meters will lead to households using less energy, helped by real time cost information on screen in the home - and saving more money by using appliances at cheaper off-peak times. Smart meters will also bring a transformation in customer service with an end to estimated bills and waiting in for meter readings.

British Gas has the largest smart meter trial in the country with almost 50,000 homes and businesses benefiting from the new technology.

Phil Bentley, Managing Director, said: “Smart Meters will lead to the single greatest revolution in energy use since British Gas converted all the nation’s homes to natural gas in the 1970s.

“At British Gas, we have the largest smart meter trial in the country, and we know this technology has helped put our customers back in control of their energy usage, helping them use less energy, cut carbon emissions and save money.

“Smart meters will also ensure our homes are as energy efficient as possible, and they will open the gateway to new technologies for renewable electricity generation in the home - and the ’smart grid’ of the future.

“That’s why we’re delighted the Government is now moving forward with its plans for the roll-out of this technology throughout Britain.”

British Gas particularly welcomes today’s announcement by Government that its preferred market model is the central communications model, which it believes will lead to a speedier roll-out of smart meter technology in Britain.

Phil Bentley said: “We believe the central communications model is best for customers, as it will speed up the roll-out of the technology by almost four years, allowing households to benefit sooner and encouraging innovation and energy efficiency in our homes.”

British Gas will be studying in greater detail the draft proposals for the smart meter roll-out, which are set out in a consultation issued by Government today, and will respond in due course.

Notes to Editors - British Gas has the largest smart meter trial in the country with nearly 50,000 domestic and business customers using the new technology - Smart metering technology is needed to support the take-up of low carbon and renewable micro generation technologies in homes and businesses - Smart meters will also pave the way for other developments to improve the way we generate and distribute energy. Increased data availability would provide key information to a smart grid, designed to optimise energy use across the UK - British Gas provides energy at competitive gas and electricity prices in Britain’s domestic market with more than 16m customer accounts. - Britain’s largest operator in the heating and installation of domestic central heating and gas appliances. - New Energy: Launched in April 2007 to supply the growing British market for low-carbon and energy-efficient products and services. - Business: Britain’s leading supplier of energy to business, from small to medium-sized customers through to large industrial and commercial users.

Centrica plc, Millstream, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5GD +44(0)845-072-8001

Source: British Gas Plc

Centrica plc, Millstream, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5GD +44(0)845-072-8001 Email: alan.mclaughlin at centrica.co.uk