E.ON has committed to the installation of one million smart meters by the end of March 2014, helping to put customers in control of their energy.

The announcement comes as Charles Hendry, Minister of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, officially opened E.ON's new Smart Metering Centre of Excellence in Nottingham, which provides a dedicated contact point for customers with smart meters.

Graham Bartlett, Managing Director of E.ON's Energy Solutions business, said: "We're delighted to welcome the Minister to the Smart Metering Centre of Excellence to help us mark this occasion.


"Now that we have a firm idea of the Government's intentions for smart metering, we've developed our plans to ensure we are ready and able for the roll-out of 8 million smart meters by 2019.

"Meeting the needs and addressing any potential concerns of our customers is crucial if the smart meter revolution is to be a success, and our dedicated Smart Metering Centre of Excellence will help us get the learning to make sure that we get the smart meter roll- out right for our customers."

The centre based at Wyvern House in Nottingham will be home to a specialist smart meter customer service team of around 100 offering tailored advice and support for customers with smart meters.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry said: "Smart meters will play a key part in our move to a low carbon economy. The Government is determined to drive the smart meters programme forward, and I am very encouraged by the commitment of companies like E.ON to ensuring its success.

"The rollout will be the largest changeover programme in the energy industry since the introduction of North Sea gas over 40 years ago, involving visits to all households across Great Britain."

(CD/KMcA)