Most citizens say real-time networked meters could prompt them to use less energy

Almost three quarters (70 per cent) of UK householders will cut energy consumption given access to up to real-time information on usage, says the Energy Retail Association (ERA).

But only 53 per cent pf survey respondents would respond to flexible tariff structures, like those from mobile phone operators.

The information provided smart meters will help people save money and reduce their carbon footprint, said Matt Prescott, organiser of green iniative E-Day.

"I hope that it will not be long before everyone can make much more informed decisions in relation to their energy use and also access, in the simplest form possible, the information and assistance they need in order to cut their energy use, bills and greenhouse gas emissions," he said.

The government's twice-delayed response to the metering and billing consultation of the Energy White Paper is expected within weeks.

The ERA and the industry are calling for the government to provide the legal framework necessary to support the national rollout of smart meters.

The ERA survey questioned around 1,950 people across the country.