Monitors showing the real-time cost of electricity use are to be given away in an attempt to encourage British households to cut carbon emissions.  Electricity suppliers will be required to issue the devices to customers as part of a climate-change fighting plan outlined by the government.

 

The monitors – which will be fitted in prominent places - show users how much electricity is being used from moment to moment, and how much this will cost.  The government hopes that the device will encourage householders to cut back on their electricity use, which will in turn reduce emissions from power stations.  The plan is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 400,000 tonnes a year by 2010, equivalent to taking about 100,000 cars off the road.  

 

Potentially, significant financial savings can also be made.  It is estimated that British homes waste £900 million of electricity a year by leaving appliances on while they're not being used.  By simply turning appliances off instead of leaving them on stand-by, a typical household could cut its electricity bill by £25 a year.

 

David Miliband MP, the Environment Secretary, said: "People want to do their bit to help protect the environment. If they can save money at the same time, all the better. Visual display units provided free of charge will help people do both."