Government announces environmental legislation plans to cut CO2 levels

The government has announced plans to introduce new environmental legislation, which it hopes will see carbon dioxide levels in the UK fall.

Earlier this week, the Department of Energy and Climate Change revealed its intentions to rollout 53 million smart meters to more than 30 million houses and office spaces in the UK.

These will enable property owners to control how much energy they use as the smart meters will give consumers more information about their fuel consumption, encouraging them to utilise less.

They will also give energy firms more details about consumer use, which could help them enhance their sustainable energy supplies.

Energy minister Charles Hendry said: "Smart meters will enable us to modernise the electricity system over the coming years and create the smart grids we will need to bring new low carbon energy sources online."

Energy expert at Consumer Focus Zoe McLeod welcomed the government's environmental analysis plans for smart meters, saying it shows the coalition is heading in the "right direction" in improving customer services for energy users.

Posted by Claire Manning